This past year we got our daughter her first cell phone. She is 12. We put if off as long as we could, but the fact was that she was going off to junior high and I really wanted a way to communicate with her when she was away from home. I like that she has a phone and we can text any time and I know I can track her and reach her if need be. We’ve been lucky so far in that she hasn’t experienced a lot of issues that plague teens who have cell phones. That doesn’t mean that it’s not coming. As she gets older, I have some real fears that she might text and drive or she might be involved in online bullying.
These issues are very real: bullying, privacy, over-usage, texting while driving and more. I know that as a parent I want to do everything I can to keep my girls safe and protected.
AT&T has made a commitment to be a leader in providing education, resources and tools to help families better manage mobile safety. If you are interested in learning more, AT&T is offering the opportunity to one of my readers to attend a virtual MOBILE SAFETY SCHOOL session - AND a $50 VISA Gift Card.
The virtual Mobile Safety School schedule is as follows:
Oct. 23 at 1p ET – mobile safety for kids 8-11
Oct. 24 at 1p ET – mobile safety for kids 12-14
Oct. 25 at 1p ET – mobile safety for kids 15-17
To enter this giveaway just leave me a comment with one piece of advice you would give to your child in regards to mobile phone usage. Let me know which Mobile Safety School session you would like to attend. I will choose a winner via Random.org on October 18, 2013. Please provide a valid email address so we can forward you the information pertaining to the session you chose, including access codes.
I am being compensated via The Motherhood for the AT&T Mobile Traffic School campaign. This Talk Ain’t Cheap is not responsible for gift cards or mailing problems.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
My kids know that “texting and driving” is not allowed, especially in our car! They are quick to also recognize someone else driving while holding their cellphone. With all the deaths and accidents that have happened in our town. They know it is not legal or ever safe to text while driving, or talk while driving unless on a handsfree set.
Melanie {Life.Love.Inspire.} recently posted..What’s in my purse {tag}
My kids are pretty good about it too. If my phone rings while I’m driving, they always reach to answer it for me. They also do my texting for me.
My oldest’s phone is not able to send or receive pics, it does not have a camera… we do not have to worry about any “sexting” issues. We also stress no texting & driving & no talking on the phone while driving. I am interested in mobile safety for 8-11 yr olds.
Thanks!
Lynda (@MommyPowers) recently posted..Every Girl Needs to Know She’s Beautiful! #DoveInspired
Don’t talk to strangers on the phone and don’t share any personal information over the phone. I would attend the Oct. 23 at 1p ET session – mobile safety for kids 8-11
elena150980 at yahoo dot com
Yes, I think kids don’t realize that sending any personal information via text can be seen or forwarded to other people. Best to just get into the habit of NOT doing it.
My advice would be to guard her phone number. Don’t just give it to anyone. Don’t post her phone number in public forums, etc. Don’t check-in with it so people can track her down and stalk her. Good luck, Momma!
Mary@LetsPlayOC recently posted..Pink It Up and Support Breast Cancer Awareness @ Mimi’s Cafe! (PLUS a Giveaway)
We have a now 15 yr old, and she knows she’s not allowed provocative/showy photos or things like that, also as she’s is getting ready to drive in the next couple years, cell phone usuage will be off limits in the car. Eek this teenage stuff scares me, we didn’t have to worry about this when I was 15 lol. I am interested in learning more about the Oct. 25 at 1p ET – mobile safety for kids 15-17
Rachelle recently posted..Gluten Free Jalapeno Cornbread
My son is too young for his own phone. The one advice that I would give to a young child about cell phone usage is to not give out his/her phone number to anyone. Have parents program numbers in the Contacts so parents know who has the child’s number and vice-versa. I would be interested in the Oct. 23 at 1p ET – mobile safety for kids 8-11 session.
Romina recently posted..Strictly Sail Long Beach Boat Show (Giveaway)
I would tell my daughter not to text/tweet while driving bc it is a huge distraction! I would choose the 10/23 date.
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I am interested in the october 24 session and my advice is to use your minutes wisely and only give your number to close friends and family and explain the importance of privacy when you decide who to give your number to
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
I would tell the to only use it for emergencies and no texting and anything. Texting and driving is bad, but Ive seen people walk right into traffic while texting.
left out what date i would attend Oct. 23 at 1p ET – mobile safety for kids 8-11
My kids are very young but when they get older I will tell them not to text and drive. I would attend the October 23rd session.
10/25 session
one of my biggest fears is texting while driving
thanks
Like many others here, I am terrified about my teens-who are learning to drive-trying to text or even read a text while driving. It turns my blood cold to imagine.
Thanks!
h4schaffer at gmail dot com
Oops, forgot to include that I would like to attend the October 25th session for teens!
h4schaffer at gmail dot com