Cell Phone
Today I'm learning how to use a cell phone! We have just moved from the country where we couldn't get cell phone service to a Motel in the city. (We'll live here until our new house is built) I guess it's time to learn how to use a cell phone. Today is the day! Hopefully it's not too late to teach this old girl new tricks! Wish me luck!
Joka, my 15 year old daughter keeps trying to convince us that she needs one too...I told her that if she still doesn't have one by the time she's my age, then I'll get her one!
What are your views about teens and cell phones? It would be great to get some expert advice from y'all!!!
First of all, Welcome back to the blogging World! I missed you! I hope you were able to pack everything up alright.
ReplyDeleteMy view on Teens with cell phones...I think they have their place...1. NOT in the classroom. 2. NOT in church. 3. NOT unlimited minutes and what not.
My kids won't be getting cell phones until 1. They can show great responsibility, 2. If they are involved in lots of extra curricular activities, they will get a prepaid phone for use to contact the parents ONLY, so we can keep track of them. 3. When they drive, they may also get a prepaid phone, again, solely so we can keep track of them, and in case they get into any trouble, (flat tire, lost, etc) they can call and get help.
But again, the use of the cell phone won't be to chat it up with their friends, but merely so we can have better tabs on them as we start to give them more freedom. I want them to always be able to call/text me if they need anything, and not have to worry about not having access to a phone. Thus, again...a PREPAID phone, so they can't go over our budgeted minutes. AND, I would be checking up to make sure they are using it for the right purpose. Of course, if they got a job, and they wanted something fancier, they could always buy it and pay for it themselves.
Amber, life was pretty hectic last week, it's fun to be getting back to the blog. It was kind-a lonesome not visiting with you!
DeleteCL and I feel pretty much the same way you do about kids and cell phones. But, for now, our teens won't be getting cell phones...much to their sorrow!
I have had a cell phone for years. All I want it to do is text and call..... thats it!! The problem is, it is hard to find a phone that just does that..... and there are so many setting on it that I hand it to my Grandkids and let them set it up for me.
ReplyDeleteI walked in the room with my new cell phone still in the box...in less than 5 minutes my daughter had it out, put together, and charging. I just spent 2 1/2 hours trying to get it registered and working...
DeleteCell phones are awesome, and once you get one, you will wonder how you were without one. Especially if you are driving and your car breaks down. Did you get a Smart Phone? Most cells also have cameras, does yours? It took me quite awhile to learn all the functions of a cell, but now after having so many, it is easy. They really are more like a little computer than a phone. Well, for teenagers, they all want to text, and they continue to do it while driving, which is so dangerous. They are making new laws about that, I hear. And cells need to be turned off in hospitals and doctor's offices, and usually church. Good luck, let us know!!!!
ReplyDeleteGinny, I just got the free phone offered by AT&T. The front slides open so it will be easy for my poor little hands to use! It does have a camera, so I guess I'll be studying up on how to use it, although, my teens have already taken pictures of themselves for my background!
DeleteThoughts on teens and cell phones. I must admit that I have mixed feelings on this. It really depends on the age and maturity of the teen. Most schools don't allow then in the class room because it is a distraction to the child. Another thing is that with many phones being "Smart" phones, there are endless ways for teens to get into trouble with a cell phone. Camera phones pose the problem of teens snapping and sharing images that are inappropriate. If your teen has a driver's license, it might not be a bad idea for them to have a cell phone for those "in case of emergency" calls or as a way for you the parent to reach them. A good age for a teen to have a cell phone in my opinion is when they are Senior's. They are bracing to take the world by storm and should be more responsible for owning a cell phone. My take on cell phones in general? I've had one for what seems like forever. Personally I hate the disturbances of a home phone, but at the same time, I hate the loss of freedom that comes with not owning a cell phone. There is something to be said for not being available 24/7. Good luck with the learning process...I'm sure you'll do wonderfully Becky!
ReplyDeleteTrying to get this thing to work has driven me to the mad house! CL finally had to call the company to get it working...grrrrrrrrrrr! But, it's working now and I feel much better! *sigh*
ReplyDeleteMy parents had me carrying around one of those brick cell phones when I was in elementary school. I was mortified, and it was definitely NOT cool, but my overprotective parents felt it was safety requirement. My kids are only 15 months old, but I have a feeling, as soon as they go anywhere on their own, they are going to have at least a pre-paid cell phone to use for emergencies.
ReplyDeleteFunny how trends change...who would have thought you would 'inflict' on your kids the same trauma, only now it's cool! :o)
DeleteI have a cell phone and I never turn it on. I only use it when I travel. I will never become addicted to it because that is why I have an answering machine. If I'm not home then leave me a message and I'll call you back.
ReplyDeleteI loved your answer to your daughter although I'm sure she didn't think it was as funny as I did. Maybe if I wasn't living in the forest and could get reception then I'd feel differently but the money I don't pay the cell phone company is money I'm spending on me in other areas I enjoy.
I think if kids have school curriculum are out with friends then it is a good thing to have to call to check in.
Grace, you are the best...I laughed when you said the money you don't pay the cell phone company is money you can spend where you enjoy! My first thought was about some terrific grand kids of yours, getting the benefit of the extra $$$
DeleteGrand kids are a lot more fun to spend on!
My teen son having a phone saved my sanity. But then again who knows what kind of mischief he snuck by with using the darn thing.
ReplyDeletePam
There have been some late nights when I wish my daughter had a cell phone!
DeleteOur nephew was given a cell phone at around the age of 10...which I thought was absolutely crazy. I'm very glad I don't have to make that decision, since our daughter will be 33 this year....and she'll have to decide on when her kiddos get one, not Nannie!!! ;-) You'll catch on really quick....even this old lady loves to text!!!
ReplyDeleteDeb, you ROCK! How is your blog fast going?
DeleteI think teens should have a cell phone, but with caveats attached, many of which have already been noted. These days, what with school shootings and craziness everywhere, I am glad that each of my 7 grandkids has had a cell phone since junior high. Cars break down on the way home from a party or church gathering, someone gets a flat tire at night, etc. These are things that have happened to my own gr kids and I have always been thankful that they were able to call their parents and let them know where they were and what was going on. Had cell phones been available when my own kids were that age, they would have had one. There have been times that I lay awake worrying about why they weren't home yet (as driving teenagers). My own peace of mind would have been worth the extra $ to have a family plan as do my children and their children. Any minutes over their allottment, and they have to find a way to earn money to pay for their extravagance. Just sayin...
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea to let them pay for the overage!
DeleteI hav worked 19 yrs in the cellular business.. I am the expert.. My two teenage boys paid part of their cell phone bils if they want to add features other than voice and text messages.. Good luck
ReplyDeleteGood idea! I didn't know you were the expert! Cool! Have you been back to the Philippines yet?
DeleteHave fun playing with your new celly! The thought of giving my kids a cell phone freaks me out. Hopefully by the time I have to worry about it you will have some awesome advice for me ;D Good luck!
ReplyDeleteLittle Bit still has awhile doesn't he! Maybe something new will be around when it's his turn to get a celly! If not, then I'll be your guide...lol
Deletehow is the hotel stuff going?
ReplyDeleteOh Sam, you've stayed in plenty of hotels, to know what it might be like for us in a motel with our 'sweet' teenagers! So far so good!
DeleteI am no help, I have no cellphone. I don't think my kiddos will get one anytime soon. My husband finds them anti-social. At some family get-togethers the cousins are all sitting beside each other texting and not talking to anyone drives him nuts!
ReplyDeleteThis is my first cell phone. I never thought I would have one either, but with only a motel phone to use, it became necessary if I wanted to keep in touch with my married kids and my sweet grand kids...
DeleteWhen my kids got cell phones, it was for my convenience, not theirs. As a substitute teacher, I don't allow them in the classroom. I tell the kids that if I see it, it will belong to me. And, there should be a zero tolerance policy on using them while driving. One strike and the phone is gone.
ReplyDeleteMy kids grew up before the age of cell phones. When they did get them, in college, it was for my convenience, not theirs.
ReplyDeleteI do not allow them in the classroom when I substitute teach. I tell the kids that if I see them, they belong to me. And, I feel very strongly that texting and driving should be zero tolerance. Do it once and lose your phone. Period.
There were 2 separate accidents where girls were killed here just recently because they were texting while driving...so sad and not necessary!
DeleteWelcome back to the blogging world! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm 21 years old and I didn't get my own cell phone until I was going out with friends regularly which was when I was 16 I believe. That will be the rule in my home when my child(ren) are growing up.
I'm following you from the M2R on VoiceBoks. I'm following you through Linky, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
I hope you have a good week!
-Courtney
optimisticmommy.com
peaceloverecipes.com
Thanks Courtney, it's good to be back. Thanks for all the following! vB and especially M2R is a great source for new contacts! I'll be seeing ya!
DeleteHope you have fun playing with your new phone:)
ReplyDeleteI don't mind if teenagers have their own phone - unless it rings right in the middle of a school lesson! But part of having the phone is learning how to use it responsibly (which also means being courteous to those you are with in person too:)
Good luck with all the moving,
Kristina :)
Courtesy seems to be getting lost. Thanks for adding that important factor! Happy Tuesday!
DeleteWelcome to the Dark Side. ;) my kids will have them with emergency access for off island trips and the like, but if they want anything more, they will have to pay for it. I know, I am not any fun at all.
ReplyDeleteVal, you are the funniest! This IS the Dark Side and we are co-conspirators! Living on the island makes a big travel difference that most of us don't even think about!
ReplyDeleteI don't have a teen (yet) but I believe that if you want grown-up stuff then you need to learn about responsibility like car keys, living on your own, getting married.
ReplyDeletehehe I should tell my son that! He just started asking for one (He's 9!) This is too cute & funny :)
ReplyDeleteHe will get one of those kid phones, where he can only call the pre-programmed numbers on the phone. I think they come with only 5 buttons and you program them at the service store. This way, if there's an emergency or maybe I'm late getting him at school, he can give one of us a call. I'm not against kids/teenagers with cell phones, I just think the use of them is what needs to change. Some kids I see at my sons school have cell phones and they play games on them. kinda drives me nuts, but hey to each their own I guess!