With mobile and cell phone usage at an all time high, it’s time to think about the adverse effects that it is having on our children and teens. Today we are sharing some of the disturbing facts and also an excellent solution that may assist you to take control.

Having a Teen Cellphone Contract can child can help them be more aware of their responsibilities and the limits they need to abide when it comes to their cellphone use.

via Better Parenting

There is no doubt that most parents feel good about handing a cell phone to their teens. Being able to stay in touch with them during the day and keeping an emergency helpline open is comforting. There is a downside though.

Checking social media and texting is a way of life but it is the addiction that is poisoning minds and bodies of all ages.

This poster from Better Parenting is a great reminder to hang up in your hall or paint on your wall. It highlights the best safety rules for technology and how kids should use it.

via Safely

Here are some more shocking facts about teens and cell phone use from Location Labs (formerly Safely.com). Did you know that most teens on average add over 6 contacts per month to their phone? That means by the time they graduate they will have over 450 numbers in their phones!

This infographic also highlights some facts about how parents monitor their kids internet use. For example, many parents use apps or services to know when their kids are sending messages or interacting. Interestingly, over half the parents have snooped into their kids address books and contacts.

 

How Cellphones Change Teens Video

The result of overuse of cellphones in a recent national surveys show that increased cell phone use in teens is linked to spiking rates of depression and suicide. The need to feel like they’re “keeping up” with everything and everyone in the world can be overwhelming.

If you need further proof that screen time can change your teen, then this video from AsapSCIENCE shows some astonishing facts about how using your phone can change you both mentally and physically. In fact, the science on how phones change us is so shocking, you may just want to decrease your own screen time too. Click play above to view now ^

via iMom

This printable chart from iMom.com has some great rules that you can set out with your teen to keep them focused on other things in life. Here are some of the highlights:

It keeps them unplugged by encouraging them to leave their cellphone in their parent’s room at night. This will curtail late night activity and watching videos.

It helps them socialise and be in the moment. The printable encourages them to put cell phones away when out with friends. They should be living in the moment, not staring at a screen.

It maintains openness. It has them agree to not hide messages from their parents, never share personal information and never respond to threatening messages. These are just some of the things that can put teens lives in serious danger. The printable is available for free download on IMoms  website

via ThirtyHandmadeDays

If you’re looking for some very specific guidelines for kids tech use, then this chart from Thirty Handmade Days is a must and extremely helpful.

It highlights how long each group should be using tech every day and sets some great ground rules to start with. You can find more details on their website. We also suggest you read our post about how and why you should be digitally detoxing regularly. View here.