Have you seen this?
A coworker forwarded this blog post to me a while ago. Basically, Janell Burley Hofmann buys her 13-year-old son an iPhone for Christmas. But, in order to get it, he has to sign a contract – an 18 point contract that Burley Hofmann created.
A few of the points:
- It is my phone. I bought it. I pay for it. I am loaning it to you. Aren’t I the greatest?
- I will always know the password.
- If it rings, answer it. It is a phone. Say hello, use your manners. Do not ever ignore a phone call if the screen reads “Mom” or “Dad”. Not ever.
Burley Hoffman goes on for 15 more points. 15 more awesomely, well-written points. I think she rocks. And, if the kid ever gets a cell phone, I’m totally copying her. But, it brings to mind another post I did, a long time ago: Uhm… Why does a 9-year-old need a Cell Phone?
Do you think 13 is an appropriate age to have a cell phone? Too young? Why or why not?
This is a sticky subject to be sure. On the one hand, I want to be bale to get a hold of my kids any time I wish to, and I want them to have the security of a phone as well. On the other, there is no place for a cell phone in a classroom. And I don’t want them connected to it 24/7. I think knowing their password(s), and regularly reviewing their activities is the right course of action if a cell phone is right for your kids. You NEED to stay on top of them. In my house, they have no right to privacy.
Oh, I agree, Eric. Growing up, there was no such thing as “right to privacy.” Even though the kid is only 6, he’s well-aware that nothing he has is really “his.” It’s just on loan, from the hubs and I.
The issue is subjective; how parents have to maintain a grip on their kids. Giving away phones at an early age with signing a contract, like, parents should always know the password can be one solution to the problem. But cell phones are a boon for connectivity with the kids when they are off home or when they are in emergency. Having that said, kids should be taught that they should not misuse the phone and lay back from their studies or extracurricular activities. It should be used in a justifiable manner rather than using it just for show off or wasting time. Kids should be taught to respect “no cell phone allowed” rules.