I wasn't allowed a smartphone until I was 16. I can't thank my parents enough. (2024)

FAQs

Can I take my 16 year old phone away? ›

Taking away a teen's phone interferes with their social life, which can drive a wedge between parent and teen. It's helpful to make the punishment related to the misbehavior, so taking away your teen's phone for a misbehavior like breaking curfew doesn't usually make sense.

Think of reasons you should have a phone.

Promise to be responsible with the phone. Let your parents know that you'll be upfront with them about what you're doing on the phone and will use it responsibly. Promise to limit your time on the phone. You can agree to only use the phone for a set number of hours each day.

"We do know that in some studies, especially in the early adolescent period, 12 to 15 years of age, more than three hours a day was associated with negative mental health outcomes," she said. Many experts suggest waiting to give your kids a smart phone until they are at least 13 years old or in 8th grade.

What is the ideal age for a first phone? Your children could be ready for a smartphone or similar device anywhere from 10 to 14, or during middle school. A sixth-grader (typically 10 to 11 years old) is a good age to start discussing a phone or a smartwatch.

Regarding personal belongings like your computer and phone, if these items were purchased by you or given to you as a gift, they are your property. Your parents do not have the right to take these away from you.

If she feels that the phone is a distractiuon or is unhealthy for the child's well being, she can take the phone away. This depends on the child's age and the circ*mstances. However, the custodial parent may not limit communication with the non custodial parent if it is mandated in the custody order.

Your parents might think it could risk your safety or that it will be too costly. Perhaps you could try and see it from their point of view? Even if they don't change their mind, you'll have a better understanding of why they won't allow it.

Be honest about what you want to do. If your mom knows of your plans, she'll be more likely to work with you to find a solution you can both agree on. Explain the reasons why you want to do something or go somewhere. Showing your excitement and explaining what you'll gain from the experience might just win her over.

Discuss the problem with your parents.

Calmly approach your parents so that you can talk about the problem. Your goal is to determine why your parents took your phone away. If you don't know why your phone was taken, you will not know the best way to get it returned. Give yourself time to cool off.

The phone plan is probably in your name and you probably bought the electronic devices. But even if not, you have every right and responsibility to check them if you've been given cause to do so because you have the right and obligation to keep your home safe, your child safe, and your other children safe.

Can a 9 year old have a girlfriend? ›

Typically, it's best for children under 13 not to engage in romantic relationships as they are still developing emotionally and cognitively. Healthy friendships are encouraged for teenagers between 13 and 15, but romantic relationships could be too much for them to handle.

Experts suggest that you should wait to get your kid a smartphone until at least 8th grade. Along with age, a kid's social awareness, understanding of technology, and maturity should be considered.

Some pediatricians suggest that kids wait until they're 16 to start this kind of one-on-one dating. That's a good place to start the discussion, but every kid is different. Some are more emotionally mature than others. Some teens come from communities and families where one-on-one dating starts earlier or later.

It takes a parent with ironclad boundaries not to sneak a peek at what's happening on their kid's phone. But a full-on investigation without your kid's knowledge and consent probably won't end well. Spot checks, conversations, and transparency should be sufficient to keep tabs on your kid while preserving your bond.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child defines child as, "A human being below the age of 18 years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier." This is ratified by 192 of 194 member countries.

No, they cannot legally take your possessions.

You must be at least 18 years old

If you're not 18 yet, don't despair. You can either ask an adult to take out a pay monthly contract for you (the credit check and bills will need to be in their name), or check out our great range of pay as you go phone or broadband deals.

Secretly checking their phone is not OK, according to Dr. Moreno, who recommends “looking at the device together, as it's an opportunity to build trust and communication.” She adds, “Snooping bypasses both trust and communication and often does more harm to the parent-child relationship than good.

It is technically yours, however, if you bought something that you are not old enough to have, or that has a parental warning on it, and your mother doesn't want you to listen, or watch it then she can keep it.