Whether you are thinking about giving your child a cell phone or you already have, it is always a good idea to have a cell phone agreement to set up some ground rules that will help protect them and minimize fights.

Whether you decide to use our free cell phone agreement or you want to just get some ideas to make your own, follow these guidelines for easier implementation and better compliance.

1. Rules should be designed around safety, allowing kids the ability to learn freedom and independence in a safe way.
2. Consequences should be designed to have immediate impact so that the expectations and enforcement are clear to the child.
3. Consequences should also be created with the idea that the impact should be just enough to stop the unacceptable behavior, allow for an opportunity to learn and be forgiven for mistakes (remember they are still learning and mistakes are to be expected) and to make the implementation and follow through easier for parents/caregivers. In short, don't chose a consequence that is going to be too hard to follow through on or is going to make your life more miserable than your child's, resulting in you changing the consequence after the fact.
4. Make sure you talk about the rules and have the contract signed at a time when everyone is available to have the discussion without being rushed. Allow kids a chance to question the rules and consequences and settle on something everyone can live with. Don't expect a child to follow rules or accept consequences that you have not explained clearly to them beforehand, even if it does seem like a no brainer to you.

Click below for a free cell phone agreement. Use it as a way to open a conversation about what cell phone expectations are, consequences for misuse and to keep everyone on the same page.