# data[].attributes.body
C This video was uploaded in 2018
R It says how there should be rules for phones for the benefit of parents and their children.
A It's on the wehavekids website.
A It gives a warning for parents and things they should look out for so there children don't do something they'll regret.
P It talks about how cell phones should stay home during school because its just a distraction.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As a parent, there have been many times that I wish I had the benefit of hindsight; times that I wish I could get a do-over; and times when I wish I had been better prepared. One such time was the day I gave my kids their first cell phones. In retrospect, I realize that their cell phones should have come with some sort of parent-child cell phone contract, maybe a child-to-parent payment plan, or at the very least, a list of cell phone rules for kids.

According to a 2016 study by Influence Central, the average age a child receives their first cell phone is around 10 years old. Another study published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2014 found that monitoring your child's media use can help set them up for success at school as well as benefit their mental and physical health.

How to Create a Family Cell Phone Policy

Now, I do not claim to be any sort of parenting expert (far from it), but I have always tried to do my best for my two children (now almost 18 and 20 years old) and at least in regard to cell phones, I do think I may have a few pearls of wisdom to pass along to the novice parent. At the very least, I hope to give you the 20/20 vision that I lacked when I armed my then middle-school children with their own personal cell phones. When you decide that your kids should have cell phones, you can be prepared and hopefully avoid the rough waters that will come if the phone becomes a bargaining chip in your relationship.

Two really important pieces of groundwork need to be laid out before I give you my brand of six cell phone rules that every parent should have.

First and foremost, never forget that your child is a sponge, absorbing everything you do and say. And that is especially true when it comes to cell phone etiquette and behavior. If one day you don't want your teen driver to text or talk on the phone while driving, even if it seems like an eternity away, then you yourself should not do it today. Enough said.

Second, put your cell phone policy in place the very first day you allow your children to have a phone. The policy should come across to them as a "this is how it is done in our house" type of thing. If you wait until there is a problem and react, then your cell phone rules come across as a punishment. The difference may seem subtle, but trust me, when kids are involved, it is worse enforcing a punishment than enforcing the rules.

Rule #1: No Cell Phones in the Bedroom at Night

Why This Rule Is Important

Kids need a lot of sleep and trust me when I say that if they are allowed to have a cell phone in their room at night, they will be quietly texting friends for hours on end! The way they look in the morning is usually a dead giveaway if this has been going on the night before.

Keep in mind that not every one of your child's cell phone contacts is really a friend or someone you want texting your kid at night, let alone during the day. Texting frees them up to "say" things that they would not normally say out loud, so just beware.

Research published online by the Journal of Youth Studies says that children who logged onto their cell phones every night were about three times more likely to report feeling "constantly tired" at school compared to their peers. Not surprising!

The Best Way to Carry out This Rule

Everyone in the house should put their cell phone in one location to charge overnight, and that means parents too. You can get one of those boxes for charging multiple electronics at the same time and put it in the kitchen or your bedroom.

By a certain time of your choosing, cell phone usage needs to be shut down for the night. Simply put, lead by example.

Possible Reaction(s) to This Rule

They might tell you that their friends can have their cell phones at night. And you say that nighttime is for sleep, and you are happy to let them have it during the day, but at night everyone needs to charge their phone and get a good night's sleep.

Your kids might also say they need the cell phone alarm to wake up in the morning. That's purely a desperation move. Get them a cheap alarm clock-problem solved.

Rule #2: No Cell Phones in School

Why This Rule Is Important

Many schools have a cell phone policy in place (usually it has to be off and out of sight), but this doesn't stop a lot of kids.

Not only is cell phone use in school a distraction to learning, but they are used for cheating, bullying, and spreading rumors at warp speed.

Kids can easily silence their phones and text without looking, all the while having their phone concealed in a hoodie or backpack pocket. Crazy, I know.

The Best Way to Carry out This Rule

To ensure that their cell phones are not at school, the phones need to remain in a visible location at home as everyone goes off to school. That is why I think all phones should reside in the kitchen or a central location for their overnight charging.

Some of you might even want to ban cell phone use in the morning before school if your child is prone to running late and is easily distracted.

Possible Reaction(s) to This Rule

You will probably hear the usual stuff as they beg and plead to bring it with them, how all of their friends have their cell phones at school.

You just remind them of the school cell phone policy and how we are going to follow the school rules.

The only exception to this would be if they are involved in an after-school activity or sport and need to contact you. Even then, the phone needs to be off during the day, and you can monitor the number of texts during the day to ensure that they have not abused this privilege.

Cell Phones in School

Rule #3: No Cell Phones on Family Days, Family Meals, or Other Important Family Times

Why This Rule Is Important

Nothing can interfere with your family relationships quicker than endless texting while you are doing some sort of family activity together. The disinterested looks on their faces, the choppy conversation from being interrupted by the vibration of an incoming text, and the questions concerning when the family-time will be over can all be avoided if the cell phone is off and remains in the car or at home.

The Best Way to Carry out This Rule

You will have to decide your tolerance level for cell phone usage and what works best for your family-often this depends on the age of the child.

For younger kids, you may require that the phone is left at home.

For older kids, you may decide that cell phone use is allowed during the car ride but has to remain in the car during the family activity.

Possible Reaction(s) to This Rule

You may get complaints because they feel they are missing out on something so important, some tween or teen crisis, or dire friend emergency.

Give them five minutes to finish up but require that the family-time rule is followed when the time is up.

Rule #4: Restrict Camera Access

Why This Rule Is Important

Kids have been known to take pictures of everything, even if it's inappropriate. This is yet another reason schools do not allow cell phones; often equipped with cameras, they have been used in locker rooms and have been the cause of a lot of heartaches.

Even kids who have voluntarily taken exposed pictures of themselves have been labeled as sex offenders.

The Best Way to Carry out This Rule

If possible, choose a cell phone plan that does not include the ability to send pictures via text.
Just be aware that this feature usually still functions even if it's not part of your plan-you just pay a lot for it when it occurs (receiving or sending).

In addition, be sure to monitor cell phone usage to ensure that your child is not sending or receiving pictures.

If you aren't able to choose a restrictive plan, you can use the built-in iPhone parental controls or download an app on an Android to restrict camera usage. I have a whole section on parental controls below.

Possible Reaction(s) to This Rule

This shouldn't be too much of an issue. I would think that if it is, then they're up to no good, and you need to stick to your guns.

Rule #5: Make Sure That Each Cell Phone Contact Is a Real Friend or Family Member

Why This Rule Is Important

When you decide that your kid should have a cell phone and you give them one, of course, they are eager to show it off to their friends and pass along their number to anyone else with a cell phone, whether or not they are really friends.

Kids that you may not really prefer your child to hang out with outside of school now have a 24/7 connection. And this can ultimately be a really bad thing.

The Best Way to Carry out This Rule

When your child is older, like high school, you may have to trust them to use good discretion when giving out their phone number.

When your child is young, you might ask to see their list of cell phone contacts periodically.

Some cell phone carriers will let you set up the phone so it only works with the cell phone contact numbers that you allow.
If this is the case, then you can add appropriate numbers to the list as your child gives them to you.

Possible Reaction(s) to This

I am not suggesting you do this for older kids, but for younger ones who are just happy to finally get a phone, they probably won't protest too much. At first, they really do just want to text with their friends.

If they do complain, just tell them that you are willing to provide them with a phone to communicate with their family and friends, not every kid they know with a phone.

Rule #6: Set Up Parental Controls

Why This Rule Is Important

Many cell phones today are equipped with wifi capabilities, making it easier than ever for your child to access the Internet. Your child's phone will also likely include a camera and video feature. And you can bet that they'll start sending photos to friends as soon as they can.

The Best Way to Carry out This Rule:

Fortunately, there are numerous parental controls available on almost all smartphones. Apple iPhones even have built-in controls that can easily be enabled.While you can't set up restrictions on non-Apple apps, like Instagram and Snapchat, you can block your child from downloading new apps.

For Android phones, there are a lot of options available in the App store, like Kids Zone or Kids Place, which only allows your child to only access apps you've approved. MMGuardian lets you remotely monitor and control any activity on their phone.

If you're looking for something more comprehensive, there are services like Net Nanny or Qustodio that allow you to customize restrictions, like setting time limits, tracking calls, and monitoring social media to make sure your child isn't looking at anything inappropriate.

Possible Reaction(s) to This Rule:

Take the time to talk to your child about why you are setting up these parental controls and about the importance of being safe while surfing the web or using social media. Many kids don't understand the dangers, like sharing their personal information or looking at inappropriate content.

Having these conversations may reduce the likelihood that they'll immediately try and figure out a way to get around these restrictions.

You can even say that every so often you can revisit this conversation and discuss removing some of the restrictions as they get older.

If your child is young enough, they might not even be aware of the restrictions you've set up. They'll just be happy to have a cell phone that allows them to talk to their friends.

Make sure you stick to your guns on this rule. It's much more important to keep your child safe than to make them happy.

Be Proactive with Your Cell Phone Rules

Remember, this suggested list of cell phone rules is intended for younger, non-high school age kids, although rules one, three, and four might be a good idea for them too. The point is to think ahead of time about the possible points of contention and let this time of early cell phone usage be a training ground for good cell phone etiquette.

Have a family meeting to discuss cell phone safety and why you're enforcing these rules. You want them to feel like they are part of the conversation and to understand why these rules are in place. That way it won't feel like a punishment or that you don't' trust them. You should also discuss what the consequences will be if they break these rules.

If you have a family cell phone policy in place when your child first gets a cell phone in middle school or younger, then hopefully good habits will be well established by high school. Consider the middle school years like cell phone boot camp. Just remember, you are the commander-in-chief and you have the duty of protecting those in your command.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
Jo Briggs on August 05, 2020:

*cough* Boomer rules *cough*

These... don't seem to be based on anything other than hearsay.

I think when I raise my kids I'll base by decisions on scientific and psychological research rather than what others "feel is good".

Funny to think I came to this page after searching to try and find an answer about why parents charge their phones in the kitchen.

Trinity on April 06, 2020:

look yo! these dont make no sense at some point in parents lives you gotta trust you kids ....like how are you raising them like noo im 14 bout to be 15 in a month and i had a phone sh took it away cuz i txted a boy and its been gone for a year and a half like for what though...... im just saying restrictions are good but lightin up plz cuz yall be trippin....

LAS on February 18, 2020:

I am a 15 year old girl. My rules for phone usage are...

1) Put your phone on the night stand before you go to bed

2) No phone in my room or upstairs

3) 2 and a half hours per day for daily usage (regardless of day)

4) If I get lower than a B+, my phone gets taken away for a week

5) I have to get every app approved (parental controls some family thing)

6) thirty minutes of total social media per day

7) Only one game at a time (if it even gets approved)

8) installed circle on my phone to track everything I do, where I am, and stuff like that

9) bed time starts at 8:30 (my wifi gets cut off at that time)

10) Youtube is blocked

11) spotify is limited to 30 min

I'm going to be very honest, I think these rules ruin my life. Some rules make some sense. For example; the rule about having my phone on the night stand and a limited amount of social media per day (though I do not agree with 30 min).

The other rules are absurd! I have after school activities that end at different times per day; I need to contact my mother. My algebra teacher did not teach in a way that I understand, so I used to use Youtube as a resource to teach myself. I also used Youtube to follow the Japanese text books that I have since there are no Japanese schools around here. I destress when I listen to music which is limited to 30 minutes per day.

On top of these things, my whole friend group facetime each other on Saturday to just hangout while doing our own little thing. They've been doing this for around three months now and I haven't been able to attend a single call since I have a 8:30 PM bed time (not that I sleep at 8:30).

I can't learn, I can't destress, I can't play, I can't communicate, I can't have proper friends. Please be considerate when making your rules; otherwise, us teens will feel unheard and freedom deprived compared to our peers.

MKC on August 19, 2019:

Kids don't have to have phones. If adults are concerned about what can happen with them, just don't get them one. They can get one when they are older and they'll be fine. It's interesting how everyone things they have to follow the crowd.

richkidxoxo on July 23, 2019:

nice rules ! :) can u make a rule where parent have to check their child's phone everyfew dyas?

Depressed child on May 21, 2019:

It needs more suggestions, ideas, and rules.

Rachael on May 21, 2019:

I think this so good but kids want to have fun in a appropriate with there phone most of these rules will hurt ur child and he/she will most likely get bullied for all theses rules

jerome on May 01, 2019:

there needs to be way more ideas. I need some for my 2 kids.

Robin on January 11, 2019:

Ok..our rules...follow the school rules on phones (which are very liberal.) We must know the contacts in the phone. You cannot hand out your number to a member of the opposite sex unless we approve. We monitor about once a month the times the phone is being used and occasionally glance at text conversations..Instagram-yes, Snapchat-no. No other social media. Phones are off at 9:45 and are charged in the living room. If you sneak out to get it and get caught then the charger goes in our room. If the phone becomes a distraction from doing your chores then it goes bye bye.."when you do what you HAVE to do then you can do what you WANT to do." I have 15 year old twin boy/girl. Right now the boy is busted for texting through his entire 1st period class for a few weeks and the teacher never said a word-I don't know why. Phone is ours for 2 weeks. Be respectful and obedient of rules and boundaries and life is a WHOLE lot easier and more fun.

Anna on December 25, 2018:

I liked the rules but why is a big deal that a sixteen year old can't have a phone.My mom even says I am a great kid and that they trust me. My mom only wants me to have a flip phone. I know a lot of kids that are allowed at the age of 10 to have a phone what makes a sixteen year old not be able to have a phone. My mom says that I have to buy it myself which I am. Is my mom being to over protective.

Santanna on December 19, 2018:

some of the rules on my phone are

no texting boys without asking

be in a community room when on it

no deleting texts

please tell me if the rules my mom set for my phone are stupid or not..i dont like them but i know they are for my own good

Erin on December 08, 2018:

My daughter uses her camera to send *many* cat photos to her friends. They also use their cameras to share study guides. Saying that if they object to no camera usage is because they're up to no good sounds like very outdated advice. I hope you update the article with revised advice. Thanks!

zack on November 05, 2018:

this is so sad that kids don't get their phones in school

Maureen on September 24, 2018:

Excellent information. I am struggling with this with a 15 year old. Why do we all think a phone is allowed to run our lives? Pediatricians should be providing parents with more information on this topic or at least raising it with parents and children. There is so much scary garbage online. Terrible that cell phone companies really don't give a damn about children let's be honest.

ll cool j on September 17, 2018:

these parents are like nazis whoever wrote this

Kelly victoria on August 28, 2018:

This was very useful!

me on August 20, 2018:

You know you could also say your kid is allergic to everything and slather them in sunscreen anytime they walk by an open window because why not? Makes sure they don't get hurt.

Brendan on July 21, 2018:

I like your points but the reason kids have phones is for emergency of important reasons like seeing if they can go to a friends house after school and what is the point of their phone because they can just talk on their computers with Gmail, Skype eg. And if you have a kid younger the thirteen with a phone then they are too young to use is because they will need to be able to know phone numbers of their head or be responsible. Finally if you are not able too trust your kids without parental controls then they shouldn't have phones but age restrictions are okay.

Keith on July 06, 2018:

my comment is to everyone. did our parents do this to us? we had the internet on a dial up modem. not a smart phone. that was far worse then what kids have today. and look how we turned out. i mean sure have some rules but if you are gonna go to such drastic measures why not just get them a flip phone that doesn't have a camera.. i mean what's the point in allowing the kid's to be kid's if you are going to limit them to the extent of hoping in a circle..

Lily on June 12, 2018:

My rules for my phone are:

1. No phone on Monday-Friday

2. No more than 2 hours on the phone on Saturday, and no more than 1.5 hours on the phone on Sunday

3. No social media

4. No taking photos or videos

5. No texting except my parents or other family members

there are a few more, but you get the basic idea. I'm using the family computer to write this.

James on April 24, 2018:

giving cell phones and smartphones to students has yielded negative results for students in schools. The most important being laziness and lack of interest in school work. This has led to students hiring other people to do their homework and essays. I noticed that my son has been buying essays from https://theessaypro.com/. I will do everything possible to stop this behavior before it becomes a problem.

A Concerned Teen on April 16, 2018:

Okay, I found this website as I was doing research and I found it frankly quite horrible. Whoever made this website was clearly not researching. If you plan on following these steps I guarantee you will only be enforcing an unhealthy relationship between yourself and your child. If you have ever heard of the reactance theory? Well if not there are a few rules to reactance.

1. When certain free behaviors are threatened or removed, the more important a free behavior is to a certain individual the greater the magnitude of the reactance.

2. With a given set of free behaviors, the greater the proportion threatened or eliminated, the greater will be the total level of reactance.

3. When an important free behavior has been threatened with elimination, the greater will be the threat, and the greater will be the level of reactance.

As for trust...I suggest you do your own research on that. I understand the fear of certain things relating to your child's health but the truth is trust is the best relationship you can form with them. You can not protect your child from everything but it is important that they know they can go to you without fears of judgment or their embarrassment being turned into a lesson. Before you go setting rules remember this: Strict parents raise great liers.

margo on March 19, 2018:

i have a phone and it helps with school and out of school

Arielle on February 23, 2018:

i like the steps my mom uses the step. i usally just be on my phone for 2 hours or less.

ann onymous on February 07, 2018:

I am a teenager and I spend 2 hours more or less on my phone a day. I mainly use it on social media and to speak with friends. Or watch funny videos.

lil pump on January 31, 2018:

kids shoul have phones at school

zane tyler bryant on January 18, 2018:

ok right

somoenne on January 03, 2018:

i think this is fair, although my mum took my phone when i was younger after i came back from school so i had only been using it for time and travel and not onlin seeming i was at school, and i had about 30m on it at night and then went to bed as it was taken away, i had never been naughty for it to be taken away only very occasionly , but how naughty do they have to be for them to have it taken?

Probably a virus on December 17, 2017:

I agree with the first rule, but i suggest that you don't leave them charging at night, because overcharging a device can damage the battery and make it discharge even faster. I suggest that they charge their phones before they put them away

Necie on October 16, 2017:

My 15 yr old son is a good kid. Hes had a cell phone for years

inomous on August 06, 2017:

very good but how long should i let them have there phones for

Angela from Colorado on November 26, 2015:

Thanks for doing this - this article has a lot of great ideas! I like how you point out how the rules should be in place on day 1 so they do not otherwise feel like punishment later. If I would have had that wisdom when I first gave my oldest daughter a cell phone we could have avoided a lot of conflict and headaches. I will know now for my little one once she reaches cell phone age. Thanks again - great hub!

Kristin Trapp (author) from Illinois on February 24, 2012:

Thank you Tracy. If I had to pick out the single most important "cell phone rule for kids" I would have to say it is not allowing your child to have the cell phone in his bedroom at night. I think this rule becomes pretty obvious to most parents once they realize what is going on, but personally I would find it easier to explain to the child ahead of time, "I will get you a cell phone but you cannot have it in your room when it is time to go to bed." Best wishes to you as you enter into the "parenting of a teen" stage. It's a lot of fun too; hopefully I have not painted a bad picture to anyone!

Tracy Lynn Conway from Virginia, USA on February 24, 2012:

So glad about this heads up! I recently bought a cell phone for my now 13 year old and I have already been using some of your suggestions but I am thrilled to get your well thought out rules created from a "Mom in the trenches." Great hub! ~Voted up and awesome~

Sharilee Swaity from Canada on September 18, 2011:

Ktrapp, very good ideas. My stepson has a cell phone that we bought him and I didn't realize until a few months later how disruptive these things can be. We have not made any of these rules and going back now would be hard (esp. since he is in high school) but it is still an option.

He has only texted once or twice at the dinner table but if it happens any more often, I think we will need to make an actual rule.

I also love the no phones at night rule. I also think it should be no t.v. and no internet on at night, too.

Thank you for another excellent hub!

Kristin Trapp (author) from Illinois on September 12, 2011:

Thanks slaffery. Just don't let your kids know you've broken the rules. Haha. I'm glad you loved this enough to print it and share it.

slaffery from Kansas, USA on September 12, 2011:

Well I think I've broken most of the rules. I love this and have printed it out to show my husband. Thanks for sharing this hub. :)

Kristin Trapp (author) from Illinois on August 15, 2011:

Thanks Tina. I think you're right about targeting kids. I remember when my daughter first got a cell phone she got a bunch of free ringtones - or so she thought. The ringtone didn't cost anything but the data usage to get it on her phone did and it was a lot. I had the cellphone company make it so the phone couldn't transfer data, but any time I upgraded a phone or replaced a broken phone data usage was allowed again. It seems the default is to allow things until parents are faced with some outrageous bill. Seems very backwards to me. Thanks for sharing your experiences, they can help others.

TinaAtHome from California on August 15, 2011:

Sorry about that. I am TinasTreasures and TinaAtHome. I am the same person, just with 2 different accounts (I didn't realize I was logged into the other account)

TinasTreasures from California on August 15, 2011:

I never got the money back. I came to the conclusion that it was done on purpose to target teenagers with phones. It was one of those things that wasn't illegal, just immoral. My son made a contract with 8 different companies (without my knowledge) to spend my money at a rate of $9.99 a month. While he claimed he thought he was buying free points for games, I actually think he knew what he was doing.

Anyway, it took me a full day to sort out because I had to talk to 8 different companies all of whom refused to refund the $9.99 I had paid, but as a "special favor" canceled the contract for future payments.

Anyway I complained to Verizon and said they weren't innocent because they obviously got commission on the sales and as a "special favor" they gave me a credit of $40 and I made my son pay the other $40 as a lesson learned. But parents be aware when you give your child a cellphone it's like giving them permission to spend your money. You might not know this, but companies do.

One more thing, my other son was 16 and got a debit card and unknowingly signed up for $189 a month from his bank account. He thought he was getting free points for a Facebook game too. They are targeting our teenagers and we must educate our children to not fall for their tricks.

Kristin Trapp (author) from Illinois on August 15, 2011:

Thanks for your input TinaAtHome. I cannot believe that giving a child a cellphone to use can be interpreted to mean permission to spend money with it. Thanks for making others aware of this. You may also be interested in this article about the effects of Facebook on teens based on a new study: https://wehavekids.com/parenting/Teens-and-Faceboo

TinaAtHome from California on August 15, 2011:

Watch Facebook too. My son signed up for 8 monthly contracts of $9.99 each using his cellphone. When I complained that the contracts were for those over 18 I was told the fact I had given my son a cellphone meant I had given him permission to spend money using it. I just didn't know that until it was too late.

Kristin Trapp (author) from Illinois on August 09, 2011:

Thanks glassvisage. The first cell phones I got my kids were pay-as-you-go phones so they did have very limited use of them, but even so we mistakenly did not have cell phone rules in place, or at least we were not wise enough to enforce them. They got "real" cell phones at the same time at ages 16 and 14. Still we were not wise to the fact that they might stay up all night texting. If I could do it all again I would definitely use the 5 cell phone rules for young children and enforce them. I have the feeling parents are getting much wiser now, now that cell phones have been around for awhile. Thanks again for your comment. Oh - and I remember that snake game :)

glassvisage from Northern California on August 09, 2011:

Great Hub. My first phone was when I was in high school and my mom told me it was STRICTLy for emergencies. It only have a few minutes a month on the plan, it didn't have a camera or anything... the only thing it had that I really ended up using was the Snake game :)

Kristin Trapp (author) from Illinois on August 04, 2011:

It's tough not being able to control everything, isn't it "Just About It?" I have heard that our job as parents is to give our kids wings to fly. At some point I guess we have to give up being the pilot and take on the co-pilot position. Then one day when we've done our job well as parents we'll relinquish control completely because we've taught them to fly solo. Good luck and thanks for your comment.

Just About It from southern CA on August 04, 2011:

I agree with you 100%. I wish they would make one where a parent could control dialed and accepted called.

Kristin Trapp (author) from Illinois on August 04, 2011:

Hi Reena. I really do think when parents can be proactive as much as possible, then everyone is better off. Thanks for your input.

Kristin Trapp (author) from Illinois on August 04, 2011:

Hi Jacqui2011. It seems you may be "across the pond" from me, but our parenting issues are the same. One time in my daughter, probably 14 at the time, and a friend decided to text all night, a school night no less, to see if they could stay awake the whole night. I think keeping the phones out of their rooms at night really protects them from their own selves.

jacqui2011 from Norfolk, UK on August 04, 2011:

Hi ktrapp. Yet another useful and well written hub. I got up in the middle of the night recently to find my 10 year old daughter texting her friend at 1.45am!!! It almost caused world war 3, but the rule is now no phones or ipods in the bedroom at night. A problem I had was when my eldest daughter was 15, she used to let her friends borrow her phone and I ended up having to pay a bill almost £20 over her tariff! It never happened after this, but my younger daughter has been warned never to let a friend borrow her cell phone unless its an emergency and I know about it. Voted up and useful.

Reena J on August 04, 2011:

Hey thanks a lot for this useful information..I think every parents should take a look on this and be proactive in their side...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
6 Cell Phone Rules for Kids and Teenagers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As a parent, there have been many times that I wish I had the benefit of hindsight; times that I wish I could get a do-over; and times when I wish I had been better prepared. One such time was the day I gave my kids their first cell phones.

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This kid looks like he's getting bullied. This connects with my claim because it's what happens to a lot of people. Kids think sincto bulle they can be anonamys that its okay to bully people. this video was uploaded by depositphotos.

# data[].attributes.body
C Made in 2019.
R This article brings valid points to both sides.
A made by Gale, a Cengage Company.
A It says how phones changed this generation and has a lot of benefits.
P This shows how there also benefits to phones being in school.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
About Gale In Context: Middle School

Explore the most-studied topics including cultures, government, people, history, literature, and more.

Don't know how to login?

Depending on this location's preferences, the log-in process could include your library card number, a student or user ID, or another provided password. If you don't know how to log in, please contact your library or school directly.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
About Gale In Context: Middle School Explore the most-studied topics including cultures, government, people, history, literature, and more. Don't know how to login? Depending on this location's preferences, the log-in process could include your library card number, a student or user ID, or another provided password.

# data[].attributes.body
C Made in 2014
R It talks about how kids shouldn't be using phones at such a young age.
A  Made by Gale, a Cengage Company.
A It doesn't talk about any plus sides to the topic.
P It talks about how a lot of kids are to immature for phones.

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About Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints

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About Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints Find overviews, news, and opinions on hundreds of today's important social issues. Don't know how to login? Depending on this location's preferences, the log-in process could include your library card number, a student or user ID, or another provided password.

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C Made in 2019.
R This article talks about how bullying can be done easier with phones.
A Made by Gale, a Cengage Company.
A It talks about how easy cyberbullying is.
P This is why kids shouldn't have phones in school and out.

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C Made in 2014.
R This article is about a girl who commited suicide because of bullying.
A It was made by Gale, a Cengage Company.
A That's a good example of why some kids just can't handle phones.
P This shows how bullying can be much worse then normal.

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C It was published in 2019.
R It shows how phones can be distracting.
A It was made by Scholastic.
A It says something about being easier contact your parents which is true.
P This information shows why phones are unneeded in school.

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About Gale In Context: Middle School

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C This video was uploaded in 2017
R It gives reasons on how it's not healthy for kids below 12 to have a smartphone.
A Uploaded on the edarabia website.
A It says how it makes everyday task easier, but that's sometimes a good thing. It also shows that kids can be much more aggressive and mean on the phone.
P This shows that phones aren't healthy for kids at certain ages.

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In a world that demands to be constantly connected, the widespread use of technology has not only affected adults but is acquired by the youngest members of the society - our children. Kids nowadays would much rather play with mobile phones and tablets. Some parents use it as a way to keep their kids entertained and away from misbehaving. But what they don't realize that there can also be harmful effects.

Psychologists warn that children below 12 should not be allowed to use these gadgets. Psychologists argue that affects childhood brain development. Kids have turned their attentions to these gadgets instead of other important areas such as development, learning, and behavior.

Here are some of the reasons why handheld devices should be banned among kids:

1. Eye Damage
Staring at a computer or mobile screen for long periods of time can cause eye problems. This computer vision syndrome can damage your eyes. Prevent eye problems by limiting the amount of time your kids can spend on screen.

2. Obesity
Studies show that children who have gadgets in their room are more likely to suffer from obesity. Everyone knows that obesity can lead to other serious medical conditions such as heart attack, and diabetes. Exposing your children to gadgets at an early age can lead to a severe health condition.

3. Brain Development
Brain size grows thrice as much from age 0 to 21 years. In the next few years, the brain will keep developing. Brain development is dependent upon so many factors and stimulus. Scientists have found out that overexposure to gadgets can lead to excessive functions, lack of attention, cognitive delays, enhanced impulsivity, learning impairment and reduction in ability for self-regulation.

4. Lack of Sleep
A recent study revealed that 60% of parents don't make strict observance to their kids using gadgets. Seventy-five percent of these children are allowed to use gadgets in their room. These children may suffer from less sleep which can affect their behavior.

5. Slow Development
Technology makes every day work easier and helps completes our tasks faster. However, it reduces the need for movement for both adults and children. This delays development among kids. Studies show that kids suffer a negative impact on literacy, delayed development and negative impact on academic success. Movement allows kids to develop learning abilities, as well as attention-based abilities.

6. Aggressive Behavior
Violent media can do harm to your kids when exposed to it. It can lead to the development of aggressive behavior. Visuals which exhibit violence, including sexual and physical, shown in such games and TV shows display murder, mutilation, torture, rape, and sex -should be off limits to children.

The US government has categorized "Media violence" as Public Health Risk because it promotes aggression in children.

7. Mental Illness
Increase cases of child anxiety, depression, attachment disorder, autism, attention deficit, problematic child behavior, psychosis and bipolar disorder are believed to be caused by too much exposure to gadgets. In Canada, one out of six children is diagnosed with a form of mental illness.

8. Digital Dementia
Media content to kids' brain may contribute to attention deficit and lack of concentration. The memory may also be affected because the brain cuts the neuron tracks towards the frontal cortex. Your child cannot learn when he cannot pay attention to tasks at hand.

9. Addiction
In the absence of parental attachment which should be provided by parents, kids become more attached to their devices. Addiction to these gadgets may also be possible. Studies show that one out of eleven children between 8 and 18 are suffering from addiction to technology.

10. Negative Impact
Raised on technology, kids are looking forward to a technological and non-sustainable world. Your child won't learn the practical life lessons and skills required for survival. Overusing technology can have a negative impact on your child's future.

11. Radiation
This is one of the most common health hazards caused by too much technology. Mobile phones are category 2B risks (World Health Organization) due to the radiation emitted by them, making them possible carcinogen.In 2013, Dr. Anthony Miller of the University of Toronto School of Public Health suggested to reclassifying exposure to radio frequency as 2A. This means it's 'probably carcinogen', which is more dangerous to your health.

Related Articles

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11 Reasons Why Mobile Phones Should Be Banned For Children

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In a world that demands to be constantly connected, the widespread use of technology has not only affected adults but is acquired by the youngest members of the society - our children. Kids nowadays would much rather play with mobile phones and tablets.

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This was uploaded in 2014. It shows a kid on the bus on the phone with someone. He looks to be younger then 12 which is exactly what we shouldn't be seeing.

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This shows a kid getting angry at his phone. A lot of the time kids will  get made fun of and then say something back out of frustration. This photo was uploaded in 2020 by dreamstime.

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This shows that phones can take away the opportunity to talk to people at a young age. This photo was uploaded in 2018 by shutter shock.

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This kid looks like he's getting very frustrated and angry. This connects with my topic because he looks way to young to be left alone with a device. This was uploaded by Twenty20 in 2020.