Teens and Mobile Phones

As smartphones become more of the norm than the exclusive exception, it's increasingly important that parents understand the full capability of the device they might view as merely a cell phone.  Smartphones are more like a computer than they are merely a means to keep in touch with your teen.  In fact, they really are computers possessing the same capability to excess a plethora of information on the Internet and often times with far less restriction.

Recently, I came across a resource guide provided by SafetyWeb which offers a service that generates activity reports and  timely alerts when inappropriate content is posted by your child online by way of their email address.  Monitoring your child's every move online is a personal decision and there are certainly circumstance where this is necessary, so this may be worth checking out. In additon, as crafty as teens are today, don't ever assume they are using only one email address.  However, as it relates to mobile phones, I wanted to share with you their Teen and Kid Cell Phone Use – Guide For Parents.   It provides some useful insight into what you are handing over to your teen.  For instance:

• Definition & background of mobile phones, PDAs, smartphones, etc.


• Data & Research


• Harmful Effects


• Recognizing if cellphone addiction has become a problem with your teen


• What to do if you discover a problem?


• Laws Protecting Your Child


• and more...

As useful and incredibly productive smartphones are, and I'm productivity enthusiast, it's technology used being in a whole new age which means we need to treat it like fire.  A valuable tool that must be used with safety in mind.

So check this resource if you think you could learn a thing or two.