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If you are the parent of a teenage you are likely already familiar with the craze of teenagers and cell phones. Adults have started looking at cell phones as a necessity in their every day life and teenagers are not far behind in catching on. Over thirty percent of teenagers today own their own cell phone. The majority of the remaining number of teenagers wants one. Parents consider the pros and cons of allowing their teenager to have a cell phone and generally come up with the same type of list.

The advantage every parent realizes for allowing a teenager to have a cell phone is safety. Teenagers are going out with their friends and going out on dates. Parents no longer need to wonder if their teenager is going to be late or is having a problem. Instead the teenager can call home and let the parents know any change of plans or any problems they may run into. Having a cell phone is a sense of security for parents and children alike. Many parents feel more comfortable in a dating situation when their teenager has a cell phone. If there is car trouble or a case where a teenager is faced with a drinking and driving situation, the teenager has immediate access to a phone to call home.

Convenience is another advantage that is often cited by parents. If the teenager is at soccer practice and does not know when they will be home or if they need a ride, they can call home when they are done. This saved mom or dad from having to sit and wait needlessly. Changing of plans can also be discussed. When a teenager has permission to go see a movie but then the movie is sold out, they can call home and get permission to go to the alternate activity. Whenever a teenager needs to communicate with parents or parents need to reach the teenager, it will be easy and fast.

The downside to a teenager having a cell phone is almost always stated to be cost and responsibility. Cell phone plans can be expensive and monthly plans limit to a certain extent the number of minutes and text messages that can be sent. Every parent of a teenager knows how much they enjoy talking on the phone and sending text messages to their friends. The amount of time spent on the phone can add up so parents are continually paying high fees for overages. Then, there is a question of responsibility. Cell phones are expensive and if lost have to be replaced. There are also certain times and situations where cell phones are not appropriate to use. Teens need to learn responsibility and be sure they use a cell phone properly if they have one.

Most parents agree that if they could be reassured the cons were not a big issue that they would get their teenager a cell phone because of the pros. The first step in getting a cell phone is to decide on a plan. Using the Internet to research cell phone plans is a great place to start.

If you are worried about the responsibility issues such as checking for cell phone usage so the teen does not go over allotted minutes or cell phone etiquette, parents should look into a unique program called *Off the Hook* that is designed for teenagers and parents. *Off the Hook*, found online at http://www.cell-phones-n-plans.com/parents.html, is designed to give a compromise on the cons regarding teenage cell phone usage and allow parents the confidence that the teenager will not misuse or take advantage or the privilege of owning a cell phone. There is an agreement that can be downloaded and signed by the teenager so they are aware of all the responsibilities of owning a cell phone and what they should do to use it properly.

Most parents agree that though teenagers want to have a cell phone as a status symbol and to talk to their friends, that there are legitimate safety reasons for teenagers to own a cell phone. Most parents also agree that if they did not have to worry about the downside to teenage cell phone use that they would likely allow its ownership. Educating teenagers and parents is the first step in crossing the hurdle of the downside to teenage cell phone use. Using a program such as *Off the Hook* can help deal with this issue so parents and teenagers alike are happy with the result.