Thinking Forward TV Show #24 "Cell phones and text messaging with your middle schooler"

[thinkingforward]

Consider also, your expectations for responsible cell phone use if/when your child acquires a phone. Kids of all ages, elementary through high school typically run into trouble with their parents when the expectations were not clear from the outset. Talk about plan minutes, text message allotment, where the phone can be used and where it can't.

Best,

Joe Bruzzese

[happyvideosonline]

At what age/grade do you think a child should get a phone?

[thinkingforward]

The answer is really dependent more on need than age. Children who travel to and from school using a metro service or who travel with friends may need to contact their parents via a cell phone whereas children who ride to and from school with their parents have continued communication with their parents and wouldn't have the same need. My focus here is on parent/child communication. Using a cell phone to text or call friends might be better achieved on the house phone.

[winone01]

I like to talk, but when i try to talk to my friends they will not pick up, so i have to text. This is kind of bogus, you know i am just saying you will end up alone, old, and friendless, because no one would be able to talk to you with these expectations.