We had a five-minute rule. Three daughters, one phone number, no call waiting, no answering machine, no caller ID, and an attorney dad who took client calls at home.
When we finally broke down and got phones for our kids (8th grade, I think), there were strict rules including — they could only be used in common space (living room, dining room, kitchen). They were never allowed in bedrooms or bathrooms. For the most part, we observed the same rules, though I was on call at nights so always slept with mine on next to the bed.
Getting a phone for my son was great. Now if an event was cancelled or rained out or ran behind, he could reach me and I did not have to worry so much or hang out in parking lots ( bored) just in case. Would be better if he knew how to answer it when I called him tho. :) When he was off in college he wouldn’t call, but text me a funny image every day or so – I loved it; just let me know he was alive and ok. He got his phone in 6th grade.
I’ve always hated telephones. They’re intrusive, and they always bother me just when I want to be left alone. Which is always. The one good thing I can say about MFA is that it gets my old a— up and hunting for the d—- gadget.
When I saw my grandchildren with tablets and phones in their hands all of the time I was worried as all they were doing was FaceTime or games. It turned out ok though – both are now in college – one in aeronautical field and the other wants to be a lawyer. Happy grandpa here :o)
I’ve seen so many kids who seem to have their phones permanently attached — in school! And I’ve seen poll results indicating the next generation is being indoctrinated into Leftist and “progressive” thinking with what little instruction they do pay attention to. Scary.
Don’t listen to polls. Volunteer at a local school and see what they’re teaching. I am concerned about colleges not allowing conservatives speak. We need to listen to each other with respect. We need to try to find common ground. And, we can’t refute what we refuse to listen to.
I see that once again the older generation is claiming kids are doomed and straying too far and, what’s another one… back in my day things were better and right! This happens generation and generation again. Yet we never learn. Phones are now also your TV, your boardgame, your letter carrier, your store. But that’s a change so it mustn’t be allowed (so seem the claims of many commenter and this comic). And to the car crash claims earlier… yes, phones are an issue. So are those who eat, brush their hair, and stare at passengers while driving. Laying in a bed on a phone will not kill you
Phones are good to get kids comfortable with tech, which will surely be an ever-present skill in their lives. But so are socializing, human interaction, and exploring the world around you, so it is also important to limit screen time and allow it only in appropriate situations. Sadly, there are many adults who pull out their phones rather than converse in social situations. How we raise our kids will define if that improves or not.
For us growing up, no calls in or out after 8 p.m., no calls when dinner is being served, or before 8 am on weekends. We had one of the phones (the other was in my parents’ bedroom) right next to the door with a 10 foot cord, so you could take the receiver out on the deck and have a more private conversation. We were also never to listen in on the other line without asking, and eavesdropping got you two weeks grounding. My parents even respected our private conversations as kids.
Yakety Sax 3 months ago
Now Monday’s comic makes more sense!
RitaGB 3 months ago
We had a five-minute rule. Three daughters, one phone number, no call waiting, no answering machine, no caller ID, and an attorney dad who took client calls at home.
cdward 3 months ago
When we finally broke down and got phones for our kids (8th grade, I think), there were strict rules including — they could only be used in common space (living room, dining room, kitchen). They were never allowed in bedrooms or bathrooms. For the most part, we observed the same rules, though I was on call at nights so always slept with mine on next to the bed.
Jelliqal 3 months ago
Getting a phone for my son was great. Now if an event was cancelled or rained out or ran behind, he could reach me and I did not have to worry so much or hang out in parking lots ( bored) just in case. Would be better if he knew how to answer it when I called him tho. :) When he was off in college he wouldn’t call, but text me a funny image every day or so – I loved it; just let me know he was alive and ok. He got his phone in 6th grade.
SameAsOldFfred 3 months ago
I’ve always hated telephones. They’re intrusive, and they always bother me just when I want to be left alone. Which is always. The one good thing I can say about MFA is that it gets my old a— up and hunting for the d—- gadget.
raptor 3 months ago
When I saw my grandchildren with tablets and phones in their hands all of the time I was worried as all they were doing was FaceTime or games. It turned out ok though – both are now in college – one in aeronautical field and the other wants to be a lawyer. Happy grandpa here :o)
DaBump Premium Member 3 months ago
I’ve seen so many kids who seem to have their phones permanently attached — in school! And I’ve seen poll results indicating the next generation is being indoctrinated into Leftist and “progressive” thinking with what little instruction they do pay attention to. Scary.
benjnavarro28 3 months ago
I got my first phone on my 14th birthday (I’m 23)
owlsandy 3 months ago
Don’t listen to polls. Volunteer at a local school and see what they’re teaching. I am concerned about colleges not allowing conservatives speak. We need to listen to each other with respect. We need to try to find common ground. And, we can’t refute what we refuse to listen to.
Tanner Riche Premium Member 3 months ago
I see that once again the older generation is claiming kids are doomed and straying too far and, what’s another one… back in my day things were better and right! This happens generation and generation again. Yet we never learn. Phones are now also your TV, your boardgame, your letter carrier, your store. But that’s a change so it mustn’t be allowed (so seem the claims of many commenter and this comic). And to the car crash claims earlier… yes, phones are an issue. So are those who eat, brush their hair, and stare at passengers while driving. Laying in a bed on a phone will not kill you
Brent Rosenthal Premium Member 3 months ago
Tia doesn’t understand it’s not “just” a phone. It’s also a portal to a world which can be quite ugly for young girls.
eb110americana 3 months ago
Phones are good to get kids comfortable with tech, which will surely be an ever-present skill in their lives. But so are socializing, human interaction, and exploring the world around you, so it is also important to limit screen time and allow it only in appropriate situations. Sadly, there are many adults who pull out their phones rather than converse in social situations. How we raise our kids will define if that improves or not.
baraktorvan 3 months ago
For us growing up, no calls in or out after 8 p.m., no calls when dinner is being served, or before 8 am on weekends. We had one of the phones (the other was in my parents’ bedroom) right next to the door with a 10 foot cord, so you could take the receiver out on the deck and have a more private conversation. We were also never to listen in on the other line without asking, and eavesdropping got you two weeks grounding. My parents even respected our private conversations as kids.