how can i convince my parents...?

Question

that i'm old enough to have a cell phone? i don't have one and all of my other friends do. i get jealous because i'm sitting next to them and they're always texting people when i'm sitting right there! any advice to help convince them i'm ready to have a cell phone?!?

Answer 1

Ok, let me try to help. I'm a parent.

Don'ts:

1. Don't use the "all my friends have one" line. This is not a good argument to use. Parents don't care what other kids have or don't have. And maybe, they can't afford to keep up with the other parents.

2. Don't be jealous. Envy is not good. Your parents will think you are showing your immaturity by being jealous of other kids' material things.

3. Don't whine, cry, demand or throw fits. Those are baby tactics that prove you're not old enough for a cell phone.

Do's:

1. Do present logical reasons for having a cell phone. For example, having a cell phone is a good way to keep in touch with parents when you're out. It is a great safety tool, too. Cell phones have saved lives and prevented crimes (criminals don't attack people on a cell phone because the other caller knows what is happening.)

2. Let them know that you will use a cell phone responsibly. Charging up minutes while texting can be super expensive. Let them know you will be careful about your minutes (or do some research and show them the plans that will allow for unlimited texting, calling among family users, etc.) If you can't do this, you're too young for a cell phone.

3. Let them know you're willing to chip in financially if need be to pay for a cell phone. Offer to do extra chores, take on babysitting jobs, whatever it takes to earn a little extra to chip in for the phone. If you don't want to do this, you're too young for a cell phone.

4. If they are worried about the possibly skyrocketing phone bill, suggest a pay-as-you-go phones. Prepaid cell phones.

Just because your friends have cell phones doesn't mean you--or they--are "old enough" for phones. Old enough, to me, means that you're willing to step up to the responsibilities of paying for one. Kids all want something for doing nothing. Parents don't "owe" kids all the extra luxuries that are on the market today. In fact, it is bad parenting--and doing kids harm--to give them things without teaching responsibility.

Being "old enough" means being responsible.

Good luck.

Answer 2

First how old are you? A cell phone really is a big responsibility with the fact that you can accrue overage charges and what not. One of the big points for having a cell phone is that your parents will be able to get a hold of you at any time. Also if there is an emergency for any reason you have the ability to contact someone for help. Rather than bringing it to them with "All my friends have one" tell them that you really feel that you would be safer if you had one. They have great new programs with some cell phone providers now where the parents can set the amount of minutes and restrict stuff like minutes, text messages, etc. tell them that. see if they would be willing to look into something like that in exchange for good behavior and doing chores? this way if you are good and do all your chores they can go on and let you have more minutes or texting and if they feel that you are not doing all your chores and are causing havoc they can restrict you from that PRIVELEDGE you must remember its a priveledge not a right. just like driving. good luck.

Really approach it maturely and if they say no dont get upset and yell at them and storm into your room and slam the door. that would be showing them that you are not grown up and mature enough for a cell phone.

Answer 3

The reason most parents are reluctant to give their kids a cell phone is because kids use the phone without any concept of how much it costs or how the bill is put together. These kids who are texting? I can guarantee you their parents are either 1) rich or 2) have no idea that their phones are costing their parents over $100 a month. The day you can pay for a cell phone on your own is the day you should get one. Parents don't OWE you a cell phone. If you want one so bad, then get a damn job.

Answer 4

First you need to tell us (them) why you are ready. So far you have just shared that your friends all have them, but that isn't enough of a reason to have one.

Do you follow the house rules? Has it been a long time since you have been in trouble? Do you regularly show that you can be responsible? Do you do what is asked of you around the house without complaining?

Once you have come up with your list, present it to your parents with a request for a pay-as-you-go phone. This kind of phone will force you to budget your minutes and texts in order to keep it running through the month. Then tell your parents you are prepared to earn your top-ups through chores and good behavior, and that if you screw up that you are prepared for them to use it as a punishment method (i.e. take your phone away.)

Answer 5

So your friends have learned to be rude and not speak with the person next to them and use the phone constantly. I don't want my children to have an electronic leash. I wouldn't have one myself except that it is required by my business.
a. It says I trust them that I don't constantly check in.
b. They can learn to leave some people behind talk the person next to you at the bank or grocery store.

Trust me make not having one the new cool!

But if you must, ask for a prepaid phone that way you can't go over budget and make sure you know how you are earning the money to pay for this. Tell them they can get a hold of you in a emergencies and that you will let them look at you text histories and provide names for all numbers called.

Answer 6

Find a way to show them that you are responsible. in order for them to know that you will be a responsible cell phone owner and not run up the bill. Let them know that they can trust you and maybe after that they will get you a cell phone.

Answer 7

A cell phone is a big responsibility.. I have gone over my minutes and its 40 cents a minute.. Quite expensive it adds up fast... If you want one I would say a prepaid one is the best for a teenager..And if you want it you should pay for it... Do work around the house or babysit so you have the money.. That would help you learn more responsibility..

Answer 8

First of all...HOW OLD ARE YOU??????
Some ppl r 16 and still their parents think they're too young
Maybe start acting more responsible and listen to them, and they might start to think about it.
Show them how much it really means to you to own a cellphone.
but truthfully....Cellphone's rn't that awesome. I'm 13 and i got one last yr. I have to pay my bill so i know how much to spend. You're parents will have to pay the money for all this texting and calling....
Just...think about it and ask ur self honestly...Do I really need a cellphone or do I just want one cuz my friends all have one?
Good luck

Answer 9

If the only reason you want it is to keep up with friends, you do not have a good reason. You need to talk to them about how it will help keep in communication with them and how it could help in emergencies. I am sure they have heard horror stories of what happens to phone bills by kids of txt constantly. You need to find out their objection and work on that. If they just cannot afford it, you can't have one.

Answer 10

Yes you will know exactly when you are ready to have your own cell phone and that would be when you earn enough money to pay for it your self, sound fair?