

My first cell phone: tips and advice for choosing it and supporting your teenager.
04 January, 2024 • Par Natacha Langlois
Have you decided that your teenager will get their first cell phone ? Although this is now the norm for many of them, it is important to take the time to talk about it and make the right choices . Here is our advice for getting through this new stage in your child's life!
Choosing the right cell phone
There are a wide range of models on the market, so it is important to take the time to assess your child's real needs before making a purchase . Here are some points to consider to help you make your choice:
Budget
First of all, make sure to determine the budget you want to allocate to the purchase of the phone and first look for options that match it. Do not hesitate to look at the second-hand market in order to find a model that suits your finances.
The operating system
The operating system (mainly Android and iOS) will determine which apps and features you will have access to, so be sure to choose the one that best suits your needs and desires in terms of customization, usability, and interactivity with your other devices, among other things.
The size
While some people prefer more compact devices that are often lighter and easier to handle , others appreciate larger cell phones that allow, among other things, to type text more quickly and with more precision.
The processor
It is the performance of the processor that will have an influence on the speed and responsiveness of the cell phone . However, recent phones generally have an equivalent processor for the needs of an average user.
Storage space
Make sure the device has enough space to hold all the necessary apps, photos, videos , etc.
Camera quality
Obviously, as a teenager, your child will probably want to take pictures and make videos with his friends ! Even if it is not necessary to have the best technology in this regard, this aspect is to be considered in the choice of cell phone.
Battery life
Want to make sure your teen is easy to reach and can't give you the easy excuse of a dead cell phone? So, be sure to take into consideration that the thicker and bigger the phone, the longer the battery life will be .
Finally, choosing your teen's first cell phone depends above all on your budget (or theirs!), their personal preferences and their needs (and not their desires!) . So take the time to evaluate the different possible options to make sure you choose a device that really meets your child's expectations (and yours too!).
Who pays?
Of course, if you are the one who absolutely wants your teen to have a cell phone so that you can easily reach them at all times, you will probably have to pay for it. But if they are the ones who request it, you could very well require them to make a financial contribution or to cover the entire cost associated with it. In any case, here are a few points to consider:
The type of package
To stay within your budget or your budget, make sure you choose a plan that truly meets your needs .
- Pay-as-you-go plan : Typically offered without a contract, pay-as-you-go plans allow you to pay only for the data, minutes, or text messages you use.
- Monthly plan : The fee associated with the monthly plan includes a certain amount of data and minutes to be used during the month. If the allocated number is exceeded, additional fees, often very high, are then added to the bill.
- Prepaid plan : Calls, minutes and data usage are paid in advance for a certain period. This type of plan does not require a contract.
The budget to plan for
Regardless of the package chosen, if your teenager is responsible for the costs, he or she must ensure that each month he or she has the necessary amount to cover all the expenses associated with using his or her cell phone :
- the monthly payment linked to the chosen package
- charges for additional minutes, text messages or data used
- the cost of purchasing the cell phone, including taxes
- registration fees (payable once only)
- the cost of accessories, such as headphones or protective case
Have you decided that your teen will cover the costs related to his cell phone? Teach him how to make a budget with our practical tools , so that he has the money needed for this purpose each month.
Our three budget models:
https://lesbellescombines.com/products/copy-of-budget-mensuel-modele-3?_pos=4&_sid=799f3673e&_ss=r
https://lesbellescombines.com/products/budget-mensuel-modele-2?_pos=5&_sid=799f3673e&_ss=r
https://lesbellescombines.com/products/budget-modele-3?_pos=1&_sid=799f3673e&_ss=r
The Cell Phone Usage Agreement
That's it! The time has come for your teen to get their first cell phone. To ensure that they use it responsibly and have the chance to keep this great privilege , take a moment to fill out this cell phone usage contract that we have prepared for you!
https://lesbellescombines.com/products/un-contrat-cellular-1?_pos=1&_sid=429d00e22&_ss=r
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