How To Create a Cell Phone Contract Between You and Your Teen

A cell phone contract for teens created by a parent can help clarify and spell out the rules and responsibilities of cellphone use for both parents and kids.

Deciding if your teen is responsible enough to have a cell phone isn't always easy. If you've decided that your child is ready to have a phone, you'll need to teach them some basic household rules for cell phone ownership. Creating a cell phone contract between you and your teen is one excellent way to teach your kid about these responsibilities and the consequences of owning electronics, sticking to family rules, and using technology responsibly.

A prohibitionist approach to teen cell phone use can be counterproductive in this digital media age, perhaps causing teens to rebel in other ways or feel isolated from their friends—but they should only use a cellphone in a way that aligns with your values. Adolescent digital media use is considered developmentally appropriate and helpful in allowing teens to achieve important developmental milestones like identity exploration and peer connection. A cell phone contract can clarify expectations for how your teen can use their phone healthily and in ways conducive to their overall development.

What Is a Cell Phone Contract?

Just like signing a contract in your adult life to buy a home, take a new job, or make a business deal—a cell phone contract between you and your child should clearly lay out the rules you'd like them to follow when using their phone. For instance you might decide that cellphones are not allowed at the dinner table or after a certain time in the evening—but that should also mean that parents aren't allowed to use their phones at the table either. The contract should be binding and enforceable, and there should reasonable consequences if the rules are broken.

You may want to create a cell phone contract so you and your kid can hold each other accountable. If all of the rules are spelled out, there can be no question if those rules are broken. But keep the lines of communication open and be sure you review every item in your contract, allowing your kid to ask questions and make suggestions.

Even if your teen has shown that they can responsible use a cellphone parents should still monitor and have limits on their usage. Some studies show that social media use is potential cause of depression and sleep issues in young people.

Cell Phone Contract For Teens Template

The sample phone contract below can help you get started. Use the contract as is or make some edits with your own ideas. Review the contract together periodically as circumstances change, challenges arise, and your teen is ready for increased freedoms and responsibilities.

Contract introduction

This contract between [Parents' Names Go Here] and [Teen's Name Goes Here] establishes family rules and consequences regarding cell phone usage.

[Teen's name] cell phone responsibilities

In this section, you will make a list of your kid's responsibilities. Here are some examples:

• I will share my phone's password with my parents and they may use it to check my phone at any time.
• I will not send threatening or mean texts to others.
• I will not text or place phone calls after 9 p.m.
• I will keep my phone charged at all times.
• I will answer or respond promptly when my parents contact me.
• I will not bring my cell phone to the family dinner table.
• I will not go over our plan's monthly data usage. If I do, I understand that I may be responsible for paying any additional charges or that I may lose my cell phone privileges.
• I understand that I am responsible for knowing where my phone is and for keeping it in good condition.
• I will obey the rules of etiquette regarding cell phones in public places and ensure my phone is turned off in church, restaurants, or other quiet settings.
• I will obey my school's rules regarding cell phones, such as turning them off during class or keeping them on vibrate while riding the school bus.
• I will alert my parents when I receive suspicious or alarming phone calls or text messages from people I don't know, and I will not send photos or messages to strangers.
• I will also alert my parents if I am being harassed by someone via my cell phone.
• I will not use my cell phone to bully another person.
• I understand that having a cell phone can be helpful in an emergency, but I must still practice good judgment and make good choices that will keep me out of trouble and danger.
• I will not send embarrassing photos of my family or friends to others or use my phone's camera to take embarrassing photos of others or myself.
• I will not use my phone to buy or download anything without permission.

Consequences

Remind your kid that having a cell phone is a privilege, not a right. If the rules are broken, there are consequences. This section will clearly lay out any consequences your kid could face.

• I understand that having a cell phone is a privilege and that if I fail to adhere to this contract, my cell phone privilege may be revoked.
• If needed, I may help pay for the cost of the phone and/or for excess charges that I incur without permission from my parents.
• I understand that my cell phone may be taken away if I talk back to my parents, fail to do my chores, or keep my grades up.

Parent responsibilities

Finally, outline your end of the bargain as a parent. This section details the parent's responsibilities, including:

• I understand that I will be available to answer any questions my child might have about owning a cell phone and using it responsibly.
• I will support my child when they alert me to an alarming message or photo they have received.
• I will alert my child if our cell phone plan changes and impacts the plan's minutes.
• I will give my child (X) warning(s) before I take the cell phone away.

At the bottom of the contract, create space for both you and your child to sign.