Comments on AskMeanMom.com: Rules for teen cell phone users

i cant believe u guys are so nosey omgsh u need to...

2009-11-08T20:32:02.132-05:00

i cant believe u guys are so nosey omgsh u need to have privacy u funking freaks yes i am a 15 yr old girl and if my parents EVER went through my cell phone or diary i would bo so PISSED OFF i would probably make them even more mad by doing things that they dont aprove of and become more of a rebel

@Cheaper Cell Phone. That is EXACTLY what I do. ...

2009-10-12T16:51:33.929-04:00

@Cheaper Cell Phone. That is EXACTLY what I do. My teen gets privacy in the bathroom and when getting dressed and at assigned quiet time. IMO kids and teens don't NEED a lot of privacy, that is how they get in trouble in the first place. In our home, we spend most of our time together. Everyone has assigned "quiet time" where they can reflect and be to themselves. If my teen becomes a "rebel" I will deal with the rebellious behavior HARSHLY. We don't put up with that. Maybe if most parents actually grew a spine, there wouldn't be so many kids and teens out of control in our society. I suspect, however, that you must be a teen who wrote that comment.

As to the cell phone issue, my question is this, why does any teen or kid NEED a cell phone plan? I can understand them having a prepaid one for emergencies when they are at a friends house or driving between places. We have ONE PREPAID cell phone that we pass around in our family and it is only to be used in case of emergency (i.e. car breaks down, car accident, etc.). Most places have phones accessible for use during an emergency. However, this IS NOT a need. It is a convenience. We also keep change in our cars for those times that the phone is out of range. But, I have yet to see someone tell me that they will not call 911 or help for me in case of emergency.

People are becoming more and more detached from their kids through the use of technology and it is sad. Technology offers great tools to ASSIST us in daily living, but they should be nothing more than tools. It seems that people are allowing them to take over their lives completely. I know way too many people who feel that a cell phone is a "need" and they can't imagine their lives without them. People are really losing touch with what is important in life.

@Rae- What you tolerate you will never change. How...

2009-09-17T23:30:05.104-04:00

@Rae- What you tolerate you will never change. How will she ever learn to appreciate and respect you if there is no form of punishment for disrespecting you. Talk to her about how what she did made you feel and explain to her why you are, (and you should) taking the cell phone away. She will probably scream at you and say nasty things but you must remain the adult in the situation. Remember, she will try you so the nastier her attitude gets the more privilages she should loose (Instant messaging, phone calls, outings with friends etc.) Truth of the matter is, while respect may be earned and not given... sometimes it has to be demanded!

My 15 year old step daughter just had her cell pho...

2009-09-17T18:02:58.535-04:00

My 15 year old step daughter just had her cell phone which I bought and pay for her to use as she became mouthy, rebellious and demanding on what I can and cannot do in MY home. I checked her messages and she is calling me a b**** to her friends and going on about how rotten I am. Well I am now thinking this little doesn't need a cell phone does she? She should be counting her blessings she has rules to follow. Am I wrong?

Hi! I am an Au Pair and my two eldest kids have j...

2009-09-03T18:47:16.650-04:00

Hi!

I am an Au Pair and my two eldest kids have just got a cell phone this week (they are 11 and 12)

I do think it's too young but I did get my first cell phone at 12 (but I had to buy it myself and come up with the credit for it... my younger brother also got his at 12 but he got all of his paid for! So I do think that being fair in ages is good.

Anyway.. my host mom wanted to set some rules for them both and I will suggest them to her!

Oh an while you are at it make sure you read his d...

2009-04-16T00:45:00.000-04:00

Oh an while you are at it make sure you read his diary, all his emails and that he is aware that he has NO privacy. I can't think of a better way to make a teen turn into a rebel than vigilante parenting.

I actually have to grudgingly agree with some of t...

2009-01-06T13:06:00.000-05:00

I actually have to grudgingly agree with some of the rules.

Our oldest son just got his cell phone and we are ...

2008-02-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Our oldest son just got his cell phone and we are using the rules that you posted. Thank you! As you suggested, we put his phone in our bedroom at 9 pm. When he checked his messages in the morning, he had 50 text messages and dozens of missed calls! These messages and calls came in at all times of the late night and early morning hours. It had not occurred to us to put the phone in our bedroom at night, and I now see the wisdom of this! Thank you for your suggestions!