What to include in a cell phone contract for teens

Giving your teen or pre-teen a cell phone is a big step, and it’s natural to have questions before you hand over a new phone. You might be wondering how you can give them the independence they crave while making sure they stay safe, for instance. This is where a cell phone contact comes in. Contracts establish healthy boundaries, responsible phone usage, and overall digital safety. 

So, what should you include in a cell phone contract for your teen? Here, we’ll dive into the importance of cell phone contracts and provide expert-backed advice on rules you may want to consider working into yours.

Why a cell phone contract is important

A cell phone contact isn't about trying to control everything your teen does with their new phone. It's meant to provide very clear expectations for you as a parent and for your teen. Your contract should align with your family values and any specific safety concerns you may have. It ultimately creates a structured way for you to discuss responsibilities and consequences with your teen while making sure they know what your expectations are for them and their new device.

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4 key rules to include in a cell phone contract for your teen

There’s no one standard cell phone contract for a teen — rather, families should create a tailored contract that works best for them. However, there are some basic elements that make most cell phone contracts a great tool for setting expectations and promoting responsible use. Here are four examples to consider including in yours.

1. Time limits and usage rules

The first part of your teen’s cell phone contract should establish where and when teens can use their phones to help prevent overuse and foster healthy screen habits. Theresa Bertuzzi, co-owner and founder of Tiny Hoppers, an early learning center, emphasizes that setting structured limits can help teens balance their phone use with other responsibilities. "A cell phone contract that lays out when and where kids or teens can use their phone, like no screens at the dinner table or turning them off at a certain time each night, can help them use their phones but within healthy limits," Bertuzzi says. 

Bertuzzi also suggests that parents involve their teens in creating these guidelines. "The best way to get teens to actually follow these guidelines is to involve them in the process, because when they have a say in the rules, they're much more likely to respect them," she says. By making phone use a collaborative discussion rather than a strict set of demands, parents can help their teens develop self-regulation while still ensuring appropriate limits

2. Internet and social media safety

Online safety, especially related to social media, should be a major part of any cell phone contract. "It's also important to include rules about internet and social media safety, making sure teens understand how to protect their privacy and treat others with respect online," Bertuzzi notes. 

It’s smart to discuss other online safety topics like cyberbullying, sharing personal information, and the risks of talking to strangers online. And it’s a good idea to set ground rules on which social media platforms are allowed, what type of content can be posted, and how to manage online interactions. "Some of the things that can be included in the agreement are time limits, social media usage, privacy settings, and consequences of the abuse of this privilege," says Zita Chriszto, a licensed clinical psychologist who works with children and teens. Since online safety and privacy concerns change constantly, you and your teen should revisit these rules occasionally to make sure they’re still relevant and practical.

3. Parent access and privacy

One of the most debated aspects of teen phone contracts is how much access parents should have to their teen’s device. Patricia O’Laughlin, MFT, ATR, a marriage and family therapist, advocates for more parental control from the very beginning. "I believe that a parent should have access to their child’s phone, this includes all social media and email and texting," she says. She suggests that parents frame this not as an invasion of privacy, but as a necessary learning tool. "When a child first gets their phone and the family sits down to write the contract, this is when the parents inform the child that using the phone is a skill and thus they will be reviewing the phone when they want, to help their child learn good habits around screen usage and social media," O’Laughlin explains. 

When you normalize parental oversight from the start, it can reduce unwanted conflicts later on. O’Laughlin points out that if teens know ahead of time that parents will check their phone, they are less likely to feel betrayed if an issue arises. "Putting this in the contract is essential,” she says. “It will help decrease upset [feelings] when the time comes, and you see something on your child’s phone that is concerning and needs to be discussed. Your child may be upset that they are in trouble, but they won’t feel betrayed that you looked at their phone."

If you position this as a form of guidance and safety (instead of punishment), you can help your teen develop healthy digital habits while maintaining their trust.

4. Flexibility as your teen matures

As your teen begins to demonstrate responsibility, their phone privileges and rules should also evolve. "It is a good idea to remember that as teens develop, the agreement should also change,” Chriszto explains. “For example, if he or she demonstrates trustworthiness over the use of the mobile phone or as the child grows older, then the contract should reflect more trust and less restrictions."

How flexible should you be? Well, it’s a good idea to schedule regular check-ins (every three to six months) to review and adjust the contract as needed. If your teen consistently follows the rules, you can offer positive reinforcement, like giving them more freedom by extending screen time limits or cutting back on parental phone checks. But, if issues pop up, the contract may need stricter guidelines until responsibility is regained.

Creating a cell phone contract together with your teen establishes a foundation for trust while developing their sense of responsibility and independence. And it’s important (for both you and your teen!) to remember that a cell phone contract isn’t about punishment; it’s about guidance. By outlining the rules and adjusting as needed, you can set your teen up for success with their brand-new device.

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