When I was younger, there were no cellphones or computers to use. Now with all the new technology available, there is a new set of dangers to be aware of. By establishing clear and concise ground rules to follow, your child can be safe using a cell phone. If you aren’t already familiar and comfortable using a cell phone, take time to familiarize yourself with how your cell phone works then familiarize yourself with your child’s cell phone. It is important that you monitor and restrict your child’s use of their cell phone. Limiting the numbers that can be dialed and disabling texting can be two very effective ways of doing this.

Your child should always be aware of their surroundings. Using a cellphone can distract from this, and create an opening for someone to easily prey upon your child. Choose a phone with parental safety controls. Do not allow a camera on the phone. The cell phone you choose should not have internet access. This would only open up another avenue for your child to become easy prey from a predator. Teach your child to never talk to strangers and to never give out their private information such as name and phone number. Take advantage of cell phone monitoring devices or software that allows you to see all of your child’s cell phone activity in an online report. Make sure that along with your child’s house curfew, that they also have a cell phone usage curfew and understand when it is not appropriate to use the phone. Your child should only be allowed to place or receive phone calls at designated times. Teach your child to be courteous and respectful when using a cell phone in public. A good example of this is turning the ringer off while in a movie theatre. The phone should not be answered during this time.