Cell phones are an everyday part of life. We all have one and even some of our children have cell phones. With this increase availability of cell phones it is important that we model appropriate behavior in order for our children to pick up on appropriate behavior. There are many different approaches to cell phone etiquette, especially when it comes to dealing with preteens and teenagers.
• Communication: If you believe that your child is responsible enough for a cell phone then you also believe they are responsible enough to communicate with you. You need to sit down with your child and ask them what they believe phone etiquette is. You should work together to set rules and boundaries …show more content…
This includes teenagers. We never really stop modelling after our parents even as we grow older. There are many situation in our lives where we wonder what our parents would do. In this instance, as the parent, you should model appropriate cell phone etiquette. If you have set up cell free zones in your house then you are held by the same rules as your teen. If someone calls during an inappropriate time and it’s not an emergency, then you should let it go to voicemail. If there is an emergency, you should always excuse yourself. Teens will see you practicing the same behaviors that you want from them and will feel less of a need to rebel against your wishes. You also have to be consistent with punishments. There are going to be times when your teen pulls their phone out at school or tries to sneak it under the table. Teens push their limits all the time. It is important that you have discussed with your teen the consciences of their actions and the appropriate discipline for those behaviors. If a teen can’t stay off their phone at the dinner table then consider removing the phone from their person for a set amount of time. You could also confiscate their phones and tell them they will be returned when a list of chores has been completed. Whatever you choose as punishment, you must follow through with each