Cellphone for soon to be teen daughter

[mimi]

With my daughter, who is now in university, we all started with the same good intentions. Overall giving my daughter a phone and then upgrading a few times has been a positive experience.
You have to realize though, that once they get the texting bug there really is no vaccinne for. it We had to take off internet on her phone because she was surpassing our plan usage every time she was home and she still has an ipad and lap top for internet use.
The biggest thing is the safety aspect. It is great to know that you can call your daughter at anytime.......but will they answer so you have to impose strict rules that when mom/dad calls she must answer immediately. Don't let her get into bad habits like staying in her room and talking and texting.....you will soon realize that even when she is home, you haven't really seen her. (this is one of the reasons why my daughter never had a tv in her room- of course now she can watch shows on her ipad/computer sigh)
Review your bill with her and discuss her usage if it goes over what you are comfortable with. Phones are another big step into their independence, however, you really need to monitor their usage and don't fall for the privacy complaint when you check their phone. I would rather keep my daughter safe and have her mad at me for checking who she is texting and calling. You don't need to make a big deal and read the texts thoroughly, just check for disturbing content.
They are growing up and in this tech world we as parents need to find the happy medium in being vigilant.