AIBU?
To ask for tips on monitoring her mobile phone?
PrincessConsuelaBananahamm0ck · 14/10/2018 07:00
Daughter is nearly 11. She's been asking for a mobile phone for the last couple of years, to which we've said 'no' as we feel she's too young and doesn't need one. She's had a bit of a moan about it (according to her, she's one of only three people in her class who don't have a phone), but has generally accepted it without too much fuss.
However, she's starting high school next year, so we think sometime between now and then is a good time to get her one. I just wondered if I could have ideas for basic ground rules around it - already decided she won't be allowed it after 8pm-ish at night and definitely won't be allowed it in her room overnight. Any other tips?
How do you monitor it for your kids? I don't want to be too draconian about it, but I'm worried about the potential problems that come along with mobile phones - bullying etc. Thanks.
Airuth · 14/10/2018 07:06
We gave our 10 year old a phone and it's worked well. We were very firm about rules from the start and she only goes on it a couple of times a day now. Definitely start of firm. We said no phone before 7am, and not until she had breakfast/ ready for school. Also, no phone after 7pm. If we called/text her she had to reply as soon as possible. We also said that when we asked to check her phone, she would hand it to us, letting us know the password. I check her messages once a week, I don't thoroughly read it, I just check for any issues that her and her friends may be having. She's fine about it. Also, if she's going to friends house the phone has to be charged.
HenryInTheTunnel · 14/10/2018 07:46
I would second being firm from the start. Look into Google Family Wifi as well. I've not used it myself but a friend with a large age range of children has been telling me about it and says it's fantastic.
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