Today’s rites of passage include that all-important moment when tweens or teens finally get their first cell phone. But as adults know, owning a phone comes with a lot of responsibilities, and it’s important to teach kids to use their phones safely and respectfully right from the start. Learn how to create and use a cell phone contract for teens, and print our free contracts for home and school use!
How To Use a Cell Phone Contract for Teens at Home
First, it’s worth noting that not all teens need a formal contract. If you and your teen have a comfortable, trusting relationship, it may be enough to set your boundaries and then monitor your teen carefully to be sure they’re following them. But if you’d like something more structured, a contract can be a great way to go. Here are a few tips for a smoother process.
Don’t sign the form without a conversation first.
Experts recommend making this a collaborative process rather than a set of demands from adults. Schedule time to sit down with your child and talk everything through. You can couple this with showing them how to use the features on their phone and explaining your own experiences with technology.
Present both the benefits and risks of cell phone use.
Spend some time talking about all the cool things phones have to offer, and share some of your own favorite apps and features. Then, talk about some of the latest research about the effects of cell phones on all of us, including some of the negative impacts. Read this article together, and have a discussion about responsible phone use at various ages.
Tailor the contract to meet your family’s needs.
Different families have different rules, and that’s OK. Whether you use our simple or detailed contract or create your own from scratch, be sure to customize it so it works for you. Think about what’s important to you and the type of behavior you consider responsible and respectful. Invite teens to share their thoughts too, so your contract is a collaborative effort.
Understand that strict restrictions can backfire.
When you become overly controlling of your child’s cell phone use, you’re practically inviting them to sneak around behind your back and break the rules. Strive for a respectful balance, where you allow them some privacy but still keep an eye on their usage and behavior. Understand that you won’t always be able to control everything your child does; it’s better to teach them the value of responsible behavior instead of trying to control their every move.
Use parental controls wisely.
Read up on the parental controls your phone or plan offers, and take advantage of them! If you don’t want your child purchasing apps without permission, you can likely set that restriction on their account. Many phones and plans also offer the ability to limit screen time during certain parts of the day, or curtail use of social media and other apps. Explore your options, and make them work for you.
Model healthy cell phone behavior.
Try not to ask your teen to follow rules you don’t follow yourself. If you insist on no phones at the dinner table, that should go for everyone. Instead of scrolling endlessly while you watch TV, make an effort to put down your device and enjoy the show together. Ask their permission before posting pictures or videos of them online, and respect their requests for privacy when you can. If you demonstrate good behaviors, chances are good your child will pick them up too.
Revisit the contract regularly.
Consider your contract a living document. Just as you give kids more freedom and responsibility in other areas as they get older, you should do the same with their phones. Make a plan to revisit the contract every so often, perhaps each year around their birthday. This gives everyone a refresher on their expectations and responsibilities and keeps the conversation fresh.
How To Use a Cell Phone Contract for Teens at School
While some schools have banned cell phones entirely, others acknowledge the value of teaching responsible use. In these cases, schools should create cell phone policies that give students some leeway to use phones in approved ways during class. The policy should also indicate where and when teens may use their phones freely, and where phones should be stored when they’re not permitted to be used.
Consider having all students sign a contract after they participate in a class on responsible, safe use of technology. Offer teachers tips on how students can effectively use phones in class, and give them ideas for how to control them when they’re not welcome. Teachers and administrators should model healthy cell phone behavior so students can see it in action. Consider this one more teachable moment as you instill life skills in teens.
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