Cell phones are all the rage these days.  They’re a necessity for many adults, but teenagers, even children, are asking, “Mom, can I have a cell phone?”  How do you answer this question? 

It really shouldn’t surprise you that your child wants a cell phone, especially if they’re a teenager.  They probably asked you if they could have a phone in their room as soon as they turned thirteen, definitely by the time they started dating.  This is just one more attempt to exert their independence and move toward adulthood.

Since having a cell phone is one major way teenagers socialize with one another, they feel they must have one to fit in.  Regardless of how their peers see them, having and using a cell phone requires maturity and money, so here are some ideas that may come in handy when having this discussion with your teen.[ad]

* Before entering into cell phone negotiations with your teen, you and your spouse may want to discuss the topic so you’ll be united when the negotiations begin. 

* Get all the facts first.  Look at your family budget and your current plan.  You want to be honest when you tell your teen that the cost is too high, if you want to use that as a reason to not get them a phone.

* Determine what ground rules you would set forth if you were to get your teen a cell phone.  Determine how it would be used, how often it would be used, what the consequences would be if the phone were overused, and who would be responsible for paying for the overages should they occur.

* Does your teen have a valid use for a phone?  Do they drive?  Are they working after school or on weekends?  Do they date?  If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, they may have a true need for a cell phone.

* Don’t use this line:  “Yes, it may be true that all of your friends have a cell phone, but if they all jumped off a bridge, would you jump, too?”  Of course, their response will be “no”, but that doesn’t mean the question will stop.

* Explain to them that purchasing a new cell phone costs money.  It also costs money each month to use.  They may offer to help pay for the phone, but that would mean they’d have to do more chores around the home or get a job after school.  That may be an option to consider if they are adamant about getting a phone.

* Suggest that the two of you go to a cell phone company and check out the plans.  Tell them that you need to shop around to find the best phone and plan before committing to purchasing one.

* After discussing the options of getting a cell phone for your teen, purchase a pre-paid plan until they can prove they can use the phone responsibly.  This will also limit the amount of money you’ll have to spend each month.

Teenagers feel they need a cell phone much like you felt you needed a phone in your room when you were a teenager.  Seriously take a look at the plans, options, and your family budget before you tell your teen “no” when they ask, “Mom, can I have a cell phone?”  If there is a valid reason for their having one, it will also give you peace of mind knowing they can contact you while they’re away from home.

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