Giving your child their first cell phone is a momentous moment and, let’s be honest, it can also be a little overwhelming. You may be wondering how to set boundaries, manage their screen time, and ensure they use screens safely. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! This guide contains real-world tips for creating phone rules for kids that actually work. We know you’re worried about online safety and want to make sure they’re not staring at a screen all day. No need to brainstorm, mom, because we’ve laid out everything you need to know. Let’s get started!
10 rules for kids using cell phones
1. When is the right time to buy a mobile phone for your child?
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer to the right age to buy a cell phone for your child, but many parents start considering it between the ages of 8 and 11. It will put your mind at ease. But you also need to consider your child’s maturity. Are they mature enough to have their own devices?
If you’re considering buying your child their first cell phone, it’s important to discuss with them how they plan to use it. Set expectations early so they understand the responsibilities that come with owning a cell phone.
Related articles: What to consider before buying your child’s first smartphone
2. Establish ground rules for healthy and responsible cell phone use
Before your kids start sending private messages to their friends, it’s worth setting some ground rules. You need to consider when and where they can use their phones, such as no phones being allowed in the bedroom after a certain time or during family meals. It’s also a good idea to discuss with your children what’s inappropriate on their phones. This includes sharing private information, sexually explicit text messages, or engaging in harmful behavior such as cyberbullying.
Also teach them phone etiquette. Remind them that some institutions, such as hospitals, may block or prohibit phone use. Stress the importance of following such rules.
3. Monitor screen time and set limits
If left unmonitored, screen time can quickly get out of control. According to Common Sense Media, parents believe that setting limits helps manage their children’s media use more effectively. Establish a schedule (if you can) so that your child has time to do homework, hobbies, and family activities without spending too much time staring at a screen. You may also want to consider setting up a charging station in the family room where your phone can be left at night. This ensures your child doesn’t use their phone after bedtime, which can disrupt sleep.
4. Download the best parental monitoring apps
Parental control apps are a lifesaver for monitoring your kids’ phone usage. They help manage screen time, block inappropriate or malicious content, and even monitor who your kids are talking to or texting. Popular apps like Bark, Qustodio, and Norton Family provide easy-to-use features to keep you informed. We all have different concerns about our kids’ gadget use, so it’s important to choose apps that fit your family’s needs.
5. Teach online safety and the dangers of inappropriate content
For any parent using a smartphone with their child, safety should be a top priority. Discuss the dangers of malicious content, such as pornography and virtual harassment. Make sure your children understand that anything they post online can be shared, even if it feels private. Explain the consequences of sharing personal information, such as your location or school name. Teach your children online safety from the beginning so they can make informed decisions every time they go online.
10 rules for kids using cell phones (continued)
6. Establish school phone rules
Every school has different rules about cell phone use, so it’s important to determine what is and isn’t allowed. Some schools may require phones to be kept in backpacks, while others may ban cell phones altogether during school hours. Talk to your children to make sure they understand when it is appropriate to use mobile phones at school. If they break the rules, there are consequences, such as reduced time on electronic devices or permission to use their phones at home. We know reinforcing this can be a challenge, especially for rebellious teens, but consistency is key!
7. Emphasize the importance of face-to-face conversations
In a world filled with smartphones, it’s easy for kids to prefer texting or chatting online to face-to-face conversations. Encourage your child to prioritize face-to-face interactions, whether at home or with friends. You may want to remind them that video calls and online messages are different from real-life communication. Helping them develop these skills is critical to developing healthy relationships.
8. Create a home media plan to manage mobile phone use
Setting up a family media plan is a great way to manage everyone’s phone habits and gadget usage in your family. The plan can include rules such as staying off your phone during dinner or limiting media use in the evening. Responsible cell phone use is a given as part of a family plan. This could include time limits on apps like Snapchat or games, and providing clear guidelines for your child to follow.
9. Dealing with cyberbullying, sexting and inappropriate content
Unfortunately, cyberbullying and sexually explicit material are real concerns when kids start using smartphones. Create an open dialogue so your child feels safe coming to you when they encounter these situations. Help them understand what to do if they see malicious content or someone sends them something they find uncomfortable. Find online resources that can help with these difficult conversations and make sure your children know how to handle these challenges.
Further reading:10 ways to keep your kids safe online
10. Why it’s important to establish healthy phone habits
Children tend to copy what they see, so setting a good example when using mobile phones is crucial. Show them how to balance time on their phone with other things, and be mindful of how much time you spend on your phone around them. Setting clear boundaries, such as limiting phone use and keeping phones out of the bedroom at night, can help show that while phones are useful, they shouldn’t take over.
Summary: Phone Rules for Kids
For single mother Anne, buying her 12-year-old daughter her first mobile phone felt like a giant leap. She spent hours researching the best apps, talking to other parents, and reading articles like this one. She learned that setting clear rules and maintaining open communication were keys to helping her children use their phones responsibly.
You can do it too! Yes, it can be scary, especially with everything we’ve been seeing online lately. Of course, there may be bumps along the way. But with the right support and guidance, your child can figure out how to handle their phone habits in a balanced and healthy way.
