| Today over fifty percent of teenagers have | | | | Mobile phones have turned many teenagers into |
| mobile phones. They are a lifesaver for busy | | | | cyber bullies. Students bring mobile phones |
| parents who worry about getting in touch with | | | | into locker rooms and take pictures or videos |
| their children or who enjoy constant contact | | | | to use as blackmail. Cyber stalking using |
| with their family. | | | | text messages and calls is becoming more |
| | | | common. And the worst part of all is that |
| For these parents, mobile phones represent a | | | | parents have no idea this is occurring. |
| tremendous improvement over the loose change | | | | |
| they forced on their children in case of | | | | Parental Control |
| emergencies. Parents were able to stress less | | | | |
| about their children's safety and have peace | | | | Parents have learned great control tactics |
| of mind that their young ones could call | | | | over the home computer. However, many teens |
| anytime they needed a ride or advice. | | | | now bypass the computer in the family room |
| | | | and take their mobile phone into the quiet of |
| Too Much Mobile Phone | | | | their bedroom. Parents who are not aware of |
| | | | their child's mobile phone capabilities may |
| As mobile phones have advanced, however, many | | | | have no clue how much texting and photo |
| parents have not kept up with the changing | | | | sharing is going on behind closed doors. |
| times, especially in regard to their | | | | |
| children. Young people speak on cell phones | | | | Fortunately parents are in more control than |
| occasionally, but are far more likely to use | | | | they realize. You must be eighteen to sign a |
| features such as downloadable programs, | | | | contract for mobile phone service, and |
| internet, videos and texting. | | | | presumably most parents are purchasing mobile |
| | | | phones for their children in the first place. |
| Mobile phones are no longer simply a phone to | | | | |
| be thrown in a backpack in case of | | | | Buy a mobile phone for your child without too |
| emergencies. They are quickly becoming an | | | | many bells and whistles. Be sure to arrange |
| entire mobile computer. | | | | detailed billing so that you can monitor how |
| | | | your child is using her minutes. Take up the |
| Teenagers have become adapt at hiding mobile | | | | mobile phone after a certain time every night |
| phone use in the classroom as well as home. | | | | to avoid late night calls or hidden texting. |
| Riding the school bus is no longer a time for | | | | Parents should know what their child is doing |
| homework or visiting with friends, but a time | | | | on their mobile phone and help teach their |
| to play games or chat on a mobile phone. | | | | children responsible mobile phone use. |
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