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Nearly half of 10-13 year olds, and 83% of 13-18 year olds own a cell phone.
The average teen generates 50-70 text messages a day, or 18,000 a year.
Studies have shown that teens who have cell phones are able to go out later, travel farther away from home, and be away for longer periods of time.
57% of American drivers admit to texting behind the wheel.
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www.textfreedriving.org
www.theantidrug.com/E-monitoring/parent-tips.asp
www.theantidrug.com/
E-monitoring/tutorial-home.asp |
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Consider having your teen contribute to the financial cost of having a phone. Make them a part of the phone decision including an outline of how the phone will be used, when the phone will be used, and consequences for breaking these agreements with you.
Consider receiving the detailed bill from your carrier to spot check usage dates and times, minutes, messages, photos used etc.
Take the cell phone away at night to help your teen have a restful evening. Don't misinterpret your anxiety about not
being able to supervise your child with the perceived security
that a cell phone gives you. Set limits and boundaries.
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