How to Get Your Parents to Buy You Your Cell Phone

Explain to your parents your reasons for needing a cell phone.

Almost every teen either has a cell phone or wants one. If you are unlucky enough to be in the second group, don't give up hope. There are ways to persuade your parents that getting you a cell phone is reasonable, and possibly even in their best interests. Keep in mind that being a pest is definitely not the best way to win your parents over to your side of the argument. Give them concrete facts that help to prove your point and model responsible behavior so they know you're mature enough to handle having a cell phone.

Instructions

1. One of the big reasons parents cite for not wanting to get their children a cell phone is the cost associated with the plan and usage. All parents have heard the stories of a kid who ran up thousands of dollars in cell phone bills. You are going to have to give your parents reassurance that this won't happen to them. If your parents have a cell phone, you can suggest that they move to a family plan to make it cheaper. Also, you can offer to help with the costs by getting a job or doing chores. Another option is to ask for a prepaid phone so they know you can only spend a predetermined amount of money on it.

2. Some parents worry that getting a cell phone will cause you to turn into a text messaging machine that forsakes food, water, sleep and, most importantly, homework. You will need to work with them to set up a set of rules you can both live with before getting the phone. If you think this is why your parents are opposed to getting you a phone, you could start the conversation some thing like this. "Mom, Dad, you know I have been wanting a cell phone, but I think that first we should talk about how and when I should use it if I get one." This not only makes you sound mature, which is a plus, but opens up negotiation.

3. Point out times when having a cell phone would have made their lives easier. For example you could mention how you could have told them that swim practice was over at 5:30 p.m. not 5 p.m., or that they could have called and had you pick up milk at the store on your way home. Also mention how you could use it if there was an emergency such as a car accident or broken leg or something similar. Be careful not to get confrontational during this, though, otherwise it won't work.

Tips & Warnings

• You need to take the position of bargaining for a cell phone. If you get whiny or demanding, you will only make your parents more determined not to get you a cell phone.

References

• The New York Times; What Cellphone Calls Say About Parent-Teenager Relations; Roni Caryn Rabin; July 1, 2011
• Bankrate.com; Buying a Cell Phone for a Teen; Lucy Lazarony

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish