Buzz
You might feel nervous about asking your parents to buy you a mobile phone, especially if you think they might refuse. To persuade them, you should demonstrate that you need a phone, that you are responsible, and that you can contribute some money toward the cost. By carefully planning what to say, confidently presenting your case, and being prepared to accept their decision, you are one step closer to owning a new phone.
Steps
Think About What to Say
Consider the reasons your parents might refuse to buy you a mobile phone. To convince them, you need to anticipate their objections. Try to think about what they might say so you can prepare your responses. For example, they might refuse because you’ve damaged an electronic device in the past, but you can argue that you’re now older, more mature, and know how to take care of your belongings.
- If your parents are concerned about money, they might say they can’t afford a new phone.
- If you often play video games, they might worry that you’ll download too many gaming apps.
- If your sibling was caught chatting with inappropriate people, they might fear you’ll do the same.
Prepare your responses. You need to counter your parents' arguments against buying a phone, so prepare convincing reasons for each of their potential objections.
- Show your parents that a phone isn’t as expensive as they think, or explain how you’ll contribute to the cost.
- Ask friends to recommend free gaming apps, or promise your parents you won’t download games. If they’re worried about how much time you’ll spend gaming, promise to limit your gaming time if you get a phone.
- Agree to let your parents occasionally check who you’re texting or chatting with.
Think about why you need a phone. You’ll have an easier time convincing your parents if you have clear reasons, so prepare a list of why a phone is necessary for you.
- A phone will help you contact your parents in emergencies or call for help if you’re in danger. You can exaggerate a little, but if you sound overly dramatic, they might think you’re joking, immature, and not ready for a phone.
- Tell your parents that teens your age face peer pressure, and being able to easily communicate with friends will help you navigate these situations.
- When you miss school, you can borrow notes from friends and discuss assignments. Or, you might need a phone to catch up on work after missing a class or forgetting your books. Explain that without your own phone, you’d have to use theirs, which would be inconvenient.
Show your parents you’re responsible. They need to know you can take care of a phone, so think of ways to prove your responsibility.
- Complete your homework every day.
- Do your chores without being reminded and even take on extra tasks when asked.
- Take good care of your clothes, backpack, and gaming devices.
- Get a part-time job if it’s legal and doesn’t interfere with your studies.
- Spend your allowance wisely and save money when given the chance.
Suggest conditions for using the phone. Treat the phone as a reward you’ll need to keep earning. For example, your parents might require you to maintain good grades, take on extra chores, or help pay the phone bill.
Talk to Your Parents
Choose the right moment. Approach your parents when they are relaxed and in a good mood. If they are busy, in a hurry, or have had a tiring day, it’s not the best time to bring up the topic of buying a phone. Avoid interrupting them if they are talking to someone, whether on the phone or in person.
- If your parents are occupied, let them know you’d like to talk when they’re free. You could say, “Mom, I know you’re cooking dinner, but if you have some free time tonight, I’d like to discuss something with you.”
- You could also write a letter to your parents explaining why you want a phone.
Behave maturely. It’s important to be polite and reasonable when discussing this with your parents. If you whine, argue, or storm off, they’ll think you’re not mature enough to own a phone.
Appeal to your parents’ emotions. You can sway your parents by addressing their concerns about safety, independence, and social acceptance.
- If you’re often away from home for sports or other activities, explain that a phone will help you stay in touch with them while you’re away.
- Share stories about teens who faced emergencies and needed a phone to call for help. For example, “Remember that story about the girl who was stopped by a stranger a few blocks from home? She used her phone to call 113 and got help.”
- Highlight the negative impact of not having a phone on your social life, such as making friends or staying connected with peers.
Present logical arguments. Show your parents how having a phone could benefit the whole family. This is where you use the prepared responses to their potential objections.
- For example, if your parents often pick you up after school, explain that you can call them when it’s time to be picked up so they don’t have to wait long.
- Use your prepared responses, such as, “I know you’re worried I’ll use the phone during dinner, but I promise to leave it in my room while we eat.”
Provide concrete evidence. You can print articles explaining why kids your age should have phones. Choose articles from reliable sources to make your parents feel more confident.
- Look for articles advising parents to let kids your age or younger use mobile phones.
- Avoid articles written by other teens and ensure the author is credible.
Volunteer for extra responsibilities. Let your parents know you’re willing to take on additional chores to earn a phone and explain how you’ll use it to support your studies.
Let your parents set boundaries. They might agree to buy you a phone if you’re willing to follow their rules and allow them to monitor your usage.
- Suggest ways they can check your phone to ensure you’re following their guidelines. You could even propose using a tracking app so they can monitor your location.
- If they say you can’t text friends, don’t get upset. Over time, they might allow it if you prove you’re mature and responsible.
Let your parents choose the phone and plan. Don’t focus too much on the type of phone or its features. Suggest they start with a prepaid plan or an affordable model for your first phone.
Offer to contribute financially. If you’ve saved some allowance or gift money, propose using it toward the phone. You could also suggest reducing your allowance to cover the phone bill or contributing earnings from a part-time job, babysitting, or yard work.
Accept Your Parents’ Decision
Accept your parents’ decision. If they say no, avoid arguing or being disrespectful. Show maturity by listening calmly and understanding their perspective.
- Stay calm and take deep breaths before responding.
- Avoid arguing. Arguing won’t change their decision; it might even make them more firm in saying no.
- Understand their reasoning. If they say no, remember they have valid reasons. They know what’s best for you or might not be able to afford a phone right now.
Ask for clarification. Whether they agree or not, ask follow-up questions to understand what you need to do next.
- If they agree, ask about their expectations, such as, “I’m really excited about getting a phone! What can I do to show you this was the right decision?”
- If they say no, ask what you can do to prove you’re responsible enough for a phone. For example, “What can I do to show I’m ready for a phone?”
Plan your next steps. If they agree, ask when you can go phone shopping. If they say no, focus on proving your responsibility and rethink how to present your case in the future.
- If they refuse, remember you can bring it up again later. Avoid getting upset and instead think about how to improve your approach next time.
- Don’t annoy your parents by constantly asking for a phone. It will only make them less likely to agree.
Tips
- Promise your parents you won’t exceed usage limits, such as text messages, call minutes, or data—unless you have an unlimited plan.
- Ask for a phone during special occasions like Christmas or your birthday, and make it your only request.
- Start small by asking for a hand-me-down phone from your parents or siblings. Prove your responsibility by limiting your usage.
- Show your parents you’re not addicted to other electronic devices you already own.
- Remember, your parents might surprise you one day and decide to get you a phone. Don’t lose hope.
- Keep your promises, like leaving your phone or other devices in your room during dinner or turning it off after 9:30 PM or at bedtime.
- Prove your responsibility in the first few days of having a phone, then gradually allow yourself to play games. Let your parents know what games you’re playing and set timers. This works well!
- Appreciate your parents’ decision.
- Don’t spend all day on your phone. Take breaks to show you still care about your parents, not just your phone.
- Let your parents set boundaries. Continue taking good care of your current devices, and if you stay responsible, they might reconsider.
- Before talking to your parents, consider writing an email or letter explaining why you want or need a phone.
Warning
- Children under 10 often face challenges when asking for a phone. While this doesn’t mean your parents will outright refuse, it’s something to keep in mind.
