Thursday, November 5, 2009

Cell Phones and Students

Have you every fought over cell phone usage with your student...i.e. overage charges, excessive texting? Cell phones are very helpful but we need to always remind our students that what can be a great attraction can be a great distraction for both parents and students. It can distract us from relationships, time with God, etc. This short list may help you as a parent in working though cell phone trials.

A few ways to protect your student from a cell phone meltdown:
1. Discuss the potential issues and ramifications of inappropriate texting. Once things are sent there is no getting them back. It is posted forever!
2. Remind them that cell phones and even computers are a privilege and not a right. (I can remember when no one had a cell phone...scary) Set up random checks of texts and websites visited.
3. Consider cell phone curfews. Have your student turn in their cell phones at night.
4. Talk with your student often. Be there for him/her. They need you and they need to be able to talk openly with you.
5. Pray for and with your student. Lifting up your concerns and fears to Jesus is still your most powerful tool.

Are there set rules in your home about cell phones?
Are there specific limits, boundaries, and consequences?

by the way this is our 100 post! Bells and whistles, and streamers can now commence.