I still have little kids, yet the topic of tech usage in our home has AREADY COME UP believe it or not.  So when I ran across the story of a Massachusette's mom that went to the internet with a 18 point guideline for her teen's cell phone usage, I thought it could be a helpful read for us parents to star laying the groundwork in our own homes.... 

With present day conveniences and even emergencies it can be a helpful tool for kids to carry cell phones on them at all times.  However, you have got to admit, this next geration has pretty bad manners when it comes to things like texting at the dinner table or worse IN CHURCH!  And how many of them can truly express themselves verbally in an articulate and meaningful way, without the use of texting or tweeting dialog?!  And let's not forget the many funny but sad videos of teens falling while attempting to text & walk:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wWBfaDfwUM

This is just a bit of what this internet mom told her son before handing over his brand new ticket to freedom, otherwise known as the iPhone!

 ...It is my phone. I bought it. I pay for it. I am loaning it to you. Aren't I the greatest?
 I will always know the password.

 If it rings, answer it. It is a phone. Say hello, use your manners. Do not ever ignore a phone call if the screen reads "Mom" or "Dad". Not ever.

It does not go to school with you. Have a conversation with the people you text in person. It's a life skill.        

 If it falls into the toilet, smashes on the ground, or vanishes into thin air, you are responsible for the replacement costs or repairs.                                                         

Do not use this technology to lie, fool, or deceive another human being. Do not involve yourself in conversations that are hurtful to others. Be a good friend first or stay the hell out of the crossfire.  

Turn it off, silence it, put it away in public. Especially in a restaurant, at the movies, or while speaking with another human being. You are not a rude person; do not allow the iPhone to change that.

Do not send or receive pictures of your private parts or anyone else's private parts...

You will mess up. I will take away your phone. We will sit down and talk about it. We will start over again. You & I, we are always learning. I am on your team. We are in this together.

What are your thoughts on limiting phone use in this way? Intelligent and loving mother, or helicopter parenting?