How to Convince Your Parents to Get a Cell Phone

So, all your friends own a cell phone or a smartphone, and you are naturally desperate to own one. You too dream of showing off your new prized procession in front of your friends, and in the process, try and impress some of your classmates as well. 

It happens, and we are with you on that. But how do you approach your parents? This is especially, true when your parents are strict, disciplined, and might most probably say no to your request. 

Well, you see, when it comes to convincing your parents, it is all about the timing, some strategy, and some patience. With all these elements, you can bet, you will get your cell phone or if not something else, much better than you had bargained for. 

We will walk you through how to convince your parents to get a cell phone. 

Reasons for parents refusing to give their kids a cell phone

Before we delve into how to convince your parents to get you a cell phone, you may want to know why they don’t want to give it to you in the first place. This way, you can understand their position on things, and then act accordingly. 

The first reason is the age. If you are less than 11 years old, then you might as well forget to ask your parents. Though your friends own the latest gadget, your parents might most likely not want to give you one.

Usually, parents feel that the right age for kids to own a cell phone is 14 years and above. If you are 12 or 13 years old, you might stand a good chance. When you are 14 years, and above, then you can just place a simple request, and you are done. 

But, when you are less than 12 years of age, things might become a little complicated, and we may suggest that you wait for 2 more years at least for the big day. Secondly, parents are concerned about the content that you will see on your smartphone. 

You see, these days, you can just about find anything you want on the internet. They are worried that you may end up catching some bad habits like online gambling or watching adult content. 

Besides, there is also cyber-bullying. Some people impersonate others. They may contact you for the wrong reasons. As you are a kid, who is innocent, not knowing the bad ways of the world, you might end up hurting yourself. 

You might want to check our post on reasons your kid should have a cell phone.

How to convince your parents to get a cell phone?

Since you are ready now and know what it takes to own a cell phone, we will provide you with some simple strategies on how you can convince your parents to get you a cell phone. 

You have to do some research

It is like an assignment. Before you begin your assignment, you find out the answers or solutions and then start your work. This way, things become easier. It is the same here. You need to understand what the benefits are, and then relay that to your parents. 

Otherwise, how will you convince them? Some good reasons could be your safety, your ability to communicate with them during an emergency, and for educational purposes. Besides, you would want to connect with your friends and family members who are residing in other countries. 

Talk to them when they are free

You have to note when they are free & relaxed. You do not want to bring up this topic when they are busy with some chores like cooking, washing dishes, or driving the car. The answer is most likely going to be a no. 

Besides, when they are busy or stressed, they might raise their voice, and never entertain your request again. So, think about it. Choose a time, when your parents are free and relaxed. You can bring it up to them gently and suggest the reasons that we have provided you above. 

Breakdown the costs

Usually, the main reason for avoiding a cell phone topic is because of the costs. As you know a decent smartphone costs around $200 - $400 or more. That is quite a lot of money. So, if you can give them a breakdown of costs, then they might be able to get a better picture. 

A responsible parent has to analyze things, see whether they have sufficient funds, and then make the purchase. Otherwise, they are going to need more time to get you a cell phone. If you can, you may want to contribute to the expenses. 

Tell them why you want to use the cell phone

You have to tell them how you are going to use the cell phone. After all, this is one of the main parts to convince your parents. They will be curious to know how you are going to use the device. 

It is going to be for emergency use only, are you going to use it for your homework or assignment? Perhaps, you need some help with your studies and want to use the device for that purpose. So, clearly tell them your purpose, and you are good to go. 

Bring up the safety aspects of owning a cell phone

It goes without saying, that owning a cell phone provides you with incredible safety. During emergencies or accidents, you can contact your parents. It can also be the other way around if required. 

This way, both the parties know the current situation and have the peace of mind. Moreover, smartphones are fitted with the ICE that allows emergency services to find out your exact location and attend to you as soon as possible. 

Educational purposes

You have to briefly explain to them how the cell phone can help you with your education goals. Perhaps, you want to learn more about science or any subject for that matter. So, tell them how you are going about things with your cell phone. 

You can download educational apps that your teacher has provided you with and learn from them. Moreover, you like to also be exposed to other things that can contribute to your school life. 

Show them that a cell phone won’t distract you

Another reason why parents don’t want to give a cell phone is because it is going to be a major distraction. Then they will feel responsible for the mess that they created. So, you have to explain or promise them, that the cell phone will not affect your lifestyle. 

Moreover, you will use it as a tool to enhance your time management, and to do your homework & assignments, and they can control the timings of your cell phone usage. You need to convince them about this to lay your hands on a cell phone.

Get higher grades

It is one of the oldest tricks in the book. When you want something expensive from your parents, you may want to put in some effort with your books. Perhaps, your parents even might have tried it on with their parents, for all you know. 

You have to show your parents that you are responsible for handling additional responsibilities. You may want to help your parents take care of your younger siblings, get good grades, and obey them. 

Do that for a few months, and they may give in to your request. 

Show a lot of maturity 

You have to show maturity when approaching your parents about the cell phone. You may want to have a positive attitude and not get worked on when they refuse or say no for some reason. It can be tough on you, though you did everything possible, you could not get the cell phone. 

However, if the answer is yes, you will have to control your emotions and be a good kid to them. You do not want to forget everything once you get hold of the cell phone. You have to show them that you are capable of using the cell phone properly. 

Appreciate the efforts taken by parents

We may want to tell you something. Being a parent is not easy. There are a ton of things that your parents are doing to ensure that you attend school, they put warm food on the table, and so on. 

Irrespective of the outcome, you may want to be grateful to them for everything. If the answer is no, then you may want to be patient with them. Tell them that you love them and are willing to wait for some more time. 

You will want to know that the key to convincing your parents, would be to demonstrate a lot of maturity, more responsibility, and reasons why you want to own a cell phone. Of course, you may not want to utter the wise words, “I want a cell phone to play games & browse the internet.”

What if your parents are not convinced?

We are going to be honest with you. The above pointers should work with most parents. For some reason, some parents might not take the bait. They may be extra cautious or genuinely concerned about your cell phone usage or addiction. 

Hence, they may not consider getting you one for the time being. So, if your parents are not willing or convinced, then what do you do? We want you to be mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared. 

Be patient and respectful

You might want to be patient and respectful of the decision taken by your parents. You must understand the decision that they have taken could be due to various reasons. Probably, they are already under some kind of financial pressure or need money for some other task. 

As we mentioned earlier, you have to show maturity & responsibility. Besides, they might change their mind, and get you a basic cell phone at least. Yes, that is right. Moreover, a responsible parent will take time to make any big decision for their kid. 

Avoid using phrases like, “I know I couldn’t depend on you” or “Why can’t you both trust me”, and so on. Instead, you may want to try, “I accept & respect your decision” or “I know you both are doing it for my own good”. 

So, please don’t get angry, throw a tantrum, and hurt their emotions or feelings. You would be amazed to know that, politely nodding your head in unison with them, will make them proud of you. 

Perhaps, they need some time to consider your request and will have to arrange for the funds. You do not want to argue with them or raise your voice. You can ask them for an explanation, and they will gladly give it to you. 

Don’t whine & annoy them

Continuing with not to argue or throw a tantrum, when you politely accept their decision, they will give in eventually. If you have a grudge against them, you are only making things worse with them. 

You do not want to cause a rift between you and your parents because of a cell phone. Even if they can’t afford you one, you can get one for yourself in a few more years. You must maintain a cheerful attitude and take things in the right spirit. 

You can ask them at what age you might be able to get one from them. Don’t be surprised if they quote a higher age. But that is how things are, with some parents. They are just being protective of you. 

In fact, you should feel proud & happy for yourself, having such possessive parents. 

However, you can make one final push with a basic cell phone that can help you communicate with them during emergencies. This is something that no parent would say no to. If at all, you have a minor accident or have hurt yourself due to a fall, and require your parents, then having a cell phone will be handy in such situations. 

Moreover, as we discussed in the above pointers, you may want to communicate with them about your delays due to some assignment or practice. Most schools have special classes or practices for games. 

In that case, your parents might be worried about your delay. Informing them earlier about the delay can help ease a lot of things. Your parents might be still at work or come back home, knowing that you will come later. 

While a smartphone may cause some issues, there is no way a basic cell phone can pose any danger.

Final Thoughts

This is it. We have ended our discussion on how to convince your parents to get a cell phone. We hope that you have benefitted from this post and will use the strategies to place your request. 

Please remember, your parents always want the best for you. So, please do not argue with them or be disrespectful to them. Give them a patient hearing, and then make your decision on your cell phone.

However, you can be prepared with solid reasons, and have some alternatives as well. But be understanding about your parent's concerns. Each family is different, and what works in one family, need not work in your family. 

So, listen to your parent’s views and opinions, and try to find a mutual compromise for the situation. 

We wish you good luck with getting a phone.

Also Read:

Reasons Your Kid Should Have a Cell Phone
Reasons Why Should Students Have Phones in School
Can You Use Your Phone on a Plane?
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