Mobile phones
mobile; phone; prepaid; contract; cell; cyber; bullying; cyberbullying;
Contents
Mobile phones (cell phones) are a fantastic way to keep in touch with friends and family. They have so many features nowadays that you could be constantly updating and learning how to 'fly' your new phone.
But, stop and think about what you really need your phone for, how you are going to use it and how you will pay for it before you get carried away by all the latest technology.
Managing your mobile
Before you buy a mobile you need to do some research and some thinking.
- You need to work out your budget to know what you are able to afford.
- You need to work out what kind of features you will use on your phone before you make a decision on which phone contract to have.
For example, are you going to use sms more than calls? Do you need to have voicemail? Do you need to have a camera etc.
- You need to think about protecting your phone.
- You need to think about protecting yourself from cyberbullies.
- You need to think about using your mobile with respect for others.
Budget
Why not start with a prepaid phone? Maybe you could have a phone that someone else has updated from just to get you into a mobile.
- Buying pre-paid credit helps you to work out how you are using your phone and what it is costing you.
- Check out if the card has an expiry date that may run out before you use all your credit. (As if!!!)
- Check out if the prepaid plan ties you in for a length of time - you may get cheaper calls this way but if you decide to change plans it will cost you.
- Check to see if you get any free calls, cheaper calls to certain people or cheaper rates at certain times.
- Once you have an idea of how you are using your phone then you might look at going for a plan. You may need your parent or caregiver to get this if you are under–age. They are more likely to do this if you can show that you have done your research, are being responsible with your credit so far and won't get them huge phone bills!
The more features you have the more expensive your phone will be and so will your phone bill. Of course it's exciting to have features like GPS, email, video but they all cost more to use too.
Look very carefully at what your phone has available, what you really need and what it will cost. A phone shop can explain so make sure you do some ‘active' listening (that is saying what you think it all means and making sure that you understand) before you sign up for anything.
Protecting your phone
Your phone is valuable and, once you've got one, it becomes part of your life that you don't want to be without so you need to look after it.
- Keep it on your person and don't leave it around for others to use, steal or get information from. Don't let other people use it.
- Use your pin number so that others can't access your network or details.
- Take out insurance if your phone is not covered by other insurance plans, particularly if you are on a plan with a network. If it goes missing you still have to pay for it.
- Engrave your initials on the phone.
- Notify your network immediately if your phone is stolen.
Protecting yourself from cyberbullies
- Only give out your mobile number to people who are your friends.
- If you get threatening messages save them with the date and time and tell someone like parents, teachers or another trusted adult.
- It is an offence against the law to send messages which harass others and if such messages persist you need to notify the Police, who are able to trace calls even without a number.
For further information look at our topic, Cyber bullying. It will give you some ideas about what you can do to prevent it and what to do if it's happening to you.
Use your Mobile manners
How annoying is it when you are with a friend and she spends all the time talking on her mobile to someone else?
- Why not put your phone onto silent or even switch it off when you are with someone. You can check later for missed calls or sms.
- If you have a call and you really need to take it then excuse yourself, move away or outside and quickly organize a time when you can return the call.
- There are some places like school classrooms, lecture rooms, theatres, cinemas, churches and hospitals where you are asked to turn off your phone as you go in. It's considered socially unacceptable and you will feel very embarrassed if your phone rings out and everyone turns to glare at you, so remember.
- Not everyone is interested in your phone conversations so speak quietly, move away from others if you are in a noisy place or use sms.
- Be careful not to send inappropriate messages. You don't want to be accused of cyber bullying or harassment and remember that messages can be saved and traced back to you.
- Taking photos with your mobile camera can be fun but be careful that you don't include others who haven't given you permission. This is an invasion of privacy.
Mobile phones are a part of everyday life for most young people. If you do your research well, respect the rights of others and keep an eye on what you are spending then you can make the most of the benefits of being mobile.
Alert!
Remember that using a mobile while you are driving or riding a bike is not only really dangerous but it is illegal (unless it's hands-free).
Tips
Telstra offers a few tips in regards to respecting the personal space of others and using a mobile phone. These include:
- turning off loud or annoying ring tones
- adjusting ring tone or volume to the social environment
- putting phone on silent' or 'vibrator' to avoid disturbing others
- speaking quietly rather than shouting
- keeping conversations brief
- letting mobile phones divert to message services if in the company of others; finding a private place to talk if around a group of people
- never dial, talk and drive
- asking permission of a person before recording his/her image on a mobile phone.
Resources
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).