Establishing Mobile Phone Rules for Teenagers

The digital communication age presents some trials when it comes to parenting teenagers. There are times that teenagers forget the value of face-to-face interaction. In addition, they are easily sidetracked when friends send messages. All it takes is one ring or beep from their mobile phone and you can expect them to do nothing else but exchange messages. Though it helps teenagers to stay in touch with friends, parents should establish rules to balance study and activities. Here are some tips to establishing mobile phone rules for teenagers:

1. Restrict mobile phone use in the morning while preparing for school. A reason teens run out of time in preparing for school is the mobile phone. Teenagers will sometimes compete for whom can send the earliest message in the morning; the will also be checking messages that they weren’t able to respond to last night. This will definitely use the time that should be used in preparing for school. As such, it would be advisable to take their mobile phones away from them in the morning and give them back once they are ready to leave for school. This way, they use the time allocated for getting ready for school.
2. Restrict mobile phone use on school nights. If your teens have a tendency to spend so much time late at night exchanging SMS with their friends that they don’t get much sleep at night, it would be a good idea to control the use of mobile phones on school nights. This may be difficult at first, especially if they are not used to getting to sleep early. However, if in the morning, they get up easily and prepare for school, they know they need to sleep more at night and should learn to turn off their mobile phones. If this is not possible, you can also get mobile postpaid services that have parental controls. There are mobile accounts that help parents control the messages that go to their teens’ phones, especially at night.
3. Restrict mobile phone use during dinnertime. If you are a working parent, chances are dinnertime is the only time you get to spend time with your kids and talk to them. Take this opportunity to learn how they are doing in school and be very keen in observing their behavior. Avoid scolding during dinnertime but make it a point that you do not allow the use of mobile phones during mealtime. Explain that they can always check their mobile phones later.

Be aware of the rules in mobile phone use in school. Ask the school administration about their mobile phone use. Chances are your teenager may be exchanging messages inside the classroom while class is going on. This is not a good sign and should be addressed. Coordinate with school officials and teachers so you’d know if the mobile phone use is affecting school performance.

Depending on how disciplined your kids are, most will automatically follow the rules on mobile phones. Most of the time, they fear you may confiscate their phone – as such, they will usually abide by the rules on proper use. The best time to state the rules in the use of mobile phones is before you purchase one for them. This way, they already know the rules before they get hold of their own phones.

Teens Need Support and Guidance

One out of every eight teenagers go through depression at some stage of their adolescence. To some that is a shocking number. But it actually explains why so many teens go through extreme phases of irritability, withdrawal, behavioral issues, or even experience trouble with concentration and academic performance. Identifying depression in a teen is the first step towards getting them treatment.

Teenagers are vulnerable to negative influences and need all the support and guidance that they can get. A well balanced teen within a stable environment has almost unlimited potential. Identifying and treating depression is essential to ensuring that your troubled teenager gets the help that they need to ensure a stable and positive transition in to adulthood.

What are the warning signs of depression in a teenager?

As a parent, it’s important to understand that not all teens being affected by depression will show all of the symptoms, and not all who show similar symptoms are affected by depression. Below are some of the most common symptoms of depression, which should be used only as an indicator, followed by referral to clinical professionals.

• Academic problems like a sudden drop in grades, inability to concentrate, or memory loss.
• Physical symptoms such as lower back pain, general body pains, regular headaches, and unusual fatigue.
• Uncharacteristic rebellious behavior, defiance, and issues with authority.
• Signs of withdrawal from friends and family.
• Poor decision making ability.
• Sadness and anxiety.
• Risk taking behaviors may be shown, such as alcohol or drug use.

The signs are there. How can we be sure, and how do we get treatment?

In the first instance, let your child know what you are observing and that you are worried for their health. A physician or a psychiatrist can interview and assess your child for depression. Depending on their diagnosis, they will make recommendations on treatments.

In many cases medications are not required, and most teens will discover that keeping active and engaged is enough to ward off feelings of depression, depending on how severe their case is. Once depression has been identified as an underlying cause of changes in the teen, it’s much easier for the family to give the necessary support.

One of the best ways that you can help your teen through depression and get them back on track towards a fulfilling and successful adult life, is through a treatment program. At Pinnacle Schools we offer fully integrated therapeutic, physical, and academic programs to help troubled teens through their most difficult times.

The biggest strength of our programs are the group activities and group counselling methods that we employ. Many teens who have been suffering from depression may find it hard integrating back in to normal society. Our group model allows participants to build confidence and regain their ability to integrate within social groups.

Through our specialized counselors, parent involvement, clinicians, and group supervisors, Pinnacle Schools offers programs that will rehabilitate, empower, and prepare your troubled teen for a positive future.