Teens And Cell
Phones
by: Declan Tobin
Let the battle begin, should teens have
cell phones? Well you will be pleased to know that over 94% of parents
agree that cellular phones are good for teens and that’s according to
a survey conducted by AT&T with parents and teens in LA and New York.
Most teens have their very first cell phones by the age of 15 and in
many cases 13. Like with all mod cons teenagers want them but they
should be used in a practical manner.
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The Bill
Paying for the cellular phone is one
thing but the on going costs thereafter tends to cost some friction in
households. If you are the parent who insists that your son or
daughter has a cell phone then understandable you should pay the bill
once it’s within reason. Teens who insist on having a cell phone
should pay some part of the bill with their weekly allowance that you
give them. Teens who are left without any supervision on bill phones
will run riot and it will be you who foots out the bill. Even if you
have the money to pay the bill monthly no matter how high you should
draw the line, you may not always be there to pay for everything.
Prepaid cell phones are a good idea to keep the expense down, the
calls are more expensive to make on these phones but you can only make
the calls once the credit is there. It is a great way for teenagers to
learn about financial management of their own bills.
Teens and camera phones:
Camera cell phones are more popular
with teens for the obvious reasons. It’s easy to use and fool around
with and let’s face it they are harmless |
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fun. There is a downside to
having the camera phone and that’s the ongoing cost. If the phone is
prepaid it’s simply, you can only text friends photo’s when you have
the credit but if the phone is linked to monthly bill payments camera
phones are by far the more expensive to operate. If your teen insists
on sending SMS via the camera phone, why not encourage them to do so
through email. Simply connect the phone to the PC via a usb cable
(normally supplied with the phone), upload the photo’s and with
broadband in most area’s email is much cheaper.
What are the main reasons parents offer
teens cell phones?
Knowing that your son or daughter is safe and
sound is priceless. If ever they need your help you are only a phone call
away. With many late teens driving cell phones are a necessity, let’s face
it most cannot even change a puncture. Please remember if you allow your
teen a cell phone in the car, make sure you or they purchase a hands free
kit or earpiece. |
Teens have so many
things to talk about and can get so wrapped up in conversation that
the driving aspect takes a backseat. For a few more dollars play safe.
Trust your teen with the cell phone:
We live in a world of technology and
it’s going to keep growing at a rapid pace, all teenagers are curious.
Once you have gotten over the argument of bill payment your teen will
be fine, they may overindulge on the first bill or two but by
confiscating the cell phone for a day or two will soon teach them the
importance of money management. You will always know where they are
and from the sound of their voice on the other end of the phone your
mind will be put at ease.
Cellular phones family plans to keep
costs down:
Family plans from cell phone carriers
such as AT&T are ideal if there is more than one cell phone in the
household. It helps keep the costs down and maximise the free
talk-time minutes per month. If one person is not using up the free
minutes the other can before they are lost. Some cell phone carriers
are offering rollover minutes. Rollover minutes allow all the used
free minutes from one month travel over to the next so you are not
losing out. Cingular offered this and since they merged with AT&T,
AT&T customers can avail of this too, remember the onus is on you to
ask them.
About The Author
Declan Tobin is a successful
freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a
variety of Prepaid Phone Plans which includes Cell prepaid plans,
Carriers, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully
researched resource of interesting and relevant information for
all of your phone interests and needs.
http://www.no1-in-cell-phones.com. |
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