Q: My oldest is asking for her own cell phone and wants to start texting. I'm nervous about entering this new territory with my kids. Any suggestions?

A: Modern technology has added a whole new set of challenges to parenting.  First I would ask yourself,  does your child have a need for a cell phone?  Is she responsible enough to keep track of one? 

Cell phones can be a handy way for your older child to call home for a ride when practice is over,  or let you know where she is when out playing with friends etc. So if you think she's ready to keep track of an expensive item like a cell phone, and will have a use for one,  then maybe it's time to consider it.  Resist the temptation to get one simply because "everyone else" has one. 

I would present  the use of a cell phone to my child as a privilege that I,  as a parent,  control. If I find that the phone is being used in an inappropriate way,  or my guidelines aren't being followed,  the privilege will be taken away.  Cell phone use can easily become addictive or problematic,  so setting rules right from the start is best.  A few common sense guidelines that have worked for many families:

1. Phones can be used during normal daytime/evening hours only.  At bedtime,  they're placed in a common family area- not taken into bedrooms.
2. Set a limit for texting that falls within the budge of your phone plan.
3. No phone use or texting during family dinner times,  family gatherings,  while doing homework.
4. No giving out your phone # on-line, or to strangers.

Again,  the use of a cell phone should not ever be considered an entitlement  for any young person; rather,  it's  a privilege for offspring that show reason and responsibility.