Does your household have specific guidelines for cellphone usage? Or do you navigate it without a plan? These are the questions posed by Sarah Thompson, a mother of three, as her 12-year-old daughter gets her first cellphone. She saved her own allowance to purchase it and will contribute to the family plan with her future earnings. While the family has established rules for other tech—like no video games during the week and unlimited access on weekends—cellphones remain an uncharted area.
Currently, they have one clear rule: Mom has access to the phone’s passcode and all social media passwords. She also took the time to provide some guidance on digital etiquette and safety: “We’ve had numerous discussions about the public nature of each interaction. You might trust a friend not to share your texts or emails, but can you rely on their older sibling if they happen to grab the phone? Anyone who finds themselves unexpectedly exposed by a video, tweet, or text can become the subject of what I can only describe as our family’s ongoing lesson in the dangers of modern technology.”
However, a more pressing concern may be how the cellphone impacts family relationships. Thompson’s son voiced his worries that his sister would no longer communicate with him, instead becoming absorbed in her phone. This prompted a heartfelt conversation: “I told her, ‘I don’t want you to be more focused on your phone than on our conversations.’ There was a pause as she processed my words. In that moment, I also reflected, ‘Do you think I do that to you?’”
As technology progresses and children grow, families must set new boundaries. At the very least, parents can take away this piece of wisdom: think twice before hitting “send.”
For more insightful parenting advice, check out some of our other blog posts, such as this one discussing the impact of sexually transmitted diseases on family planning and the importance of understanding your options. Additionally, for a comprehensive look at the journey of insemination, visit this resource on fertility.
In summary, establishing reasonable cellphone guidelines is essential for families to navigate the digital landscape while maintaining healthy relationships. Engaging in open discussions about technology’s impact can help foster understanding and cooperation.