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To Cell or Not To Cell

The wired world keeps changing, so don't blink. Twenty years ago the equipment for a mobile telephone had to be lugged around in a suitcase. Now cell phones weigh ounces and fit easily into a pocket. For the first time ever, the number of land phone lines is decreasing while cells keep multiplying. Kids are early adapters to new technology, so it isn't surprising that over a quarter of teens now have cell phones.

As with all new technologies, there are benefits. Parents like the idea that their kids can get in touch with them in an emergency or just when they're not in sight. Kids naturally love to be able to chat with friends and keep up with everyone and everything.

Are there downsides? Oh, sure. Some kids have run up enormous bills, disturbed classes with inopportune calls, and otherwise trashed some common sense norms of etiquette. And there is a growing problem of kids receiving bullying or threatening text messages. I recently heard about a 15-year-old girl who received 20 abusive messages in half an hour. She was understandably badly shaken.

All parents will have to make a decision "to cell or not to cell" based on circumstances and their child. If your child does get a cell phone, these suggestions might prove helpful.

1. Choose a plan that puts some reasonable limits on your child's phone time. Make sure they know what the limits are so they can do some budgeting.
2. Let your child know that the two of you will be reviewing the bill together so you will have some idea of how the phone is being used.
3. If use exceeds the plan limits, the charges can mount very quickly. Make sure your child has some consequences, financial or otherwise, if limits are exceeded.
4. Find out what the school's policies are regarding cell phone use and let your child know that you will completely support the school's standards.
5. Agree on some cell phone etiquette. For example, no phone calling during meals or when it is bothersome or rude to other people.
6. Ask your kids to let you know if they start getting harassing phone calls or text messages. Even if you can't track down the culprit you can help your child cope.
7. Conversely, let your children know that any "phone bullying" will not be tolerated.
8. Let your child know that their use of the cell is contingent on following the ground rules. No compliance, no cell.

Whether or not your child has a cell phone, it is important to be aware of how mobile phones affect us. If we take a few moments to consider how cell phones fit in our lives, we can maximize the benefits and minimize the harm of this new technology.

David Walsh, Ph.D. is the president and founder of the National Institute on Media and the Family (www.mediafamily.org). He has written seven books and is a frequent guest on national radio and television.