With the spread of technology far beyond the concept of possible and impossible, almost every parent must have had this uneasy feeling creep up on them that their kids are having more fun with all their electronic gadgets than they should. Being tech savvy is important these days, but teaching children the priceless lesson of using technology with responsibility is also a must. So read on to know how to lay down the rules when it comes to using and acquiring gadgets for teenagers along with the “when and why” of the issue.

Needs vs. Wants

Even though your teen may be lamenting endlessly about the negative effects, not having a cool cell phone is having on their social life, yet it is entirely up to you to decide whether the latest smart phone or iphone really is a matter of life or death for your teen.  So first sort out where such a demand falls on your priority list of needs and wants for your teen or the entire family and then make a decision. Also take charge of the kind of package your teen picks for their cell phone service provider. Most schools have already banned the use of smart phones even during breaks, so a package with full internet access is not entirely necessary. If the need for the phone is for them to inform you of their where about and such, a basic phone package is good enough. They already enjoy internet on their PC’s and laptops, a few hours of no internet and even phone during school hours is not just ok, its necessary. So before buying any expensive gadget for your teen, separate the needs from the wants.

Take Charge

Being constantly in touch with technology and acquiring all the latest electronic for teenagers is a dream come true for them, but as an adult you should be far sighted enough to know what this can result in. In such a scenario people lose touch with their immediate surroundings and tend to become extremely anti social and isolated. This is why it is important to not let technology rule your life. Set boundaries when it comes to the access and use of technology by your family, especially teens.  

Teach Before Treat

Every new gadget is an opportunity for you and your teen to bond as well. See what they can teach you about this new technology and see what you can teach them about the responsible use of it. As a responsible parent it’s up to you to make sure you know how, when and for what your teens and tweens are using.

Make Hay…

Technology has never been cheap and now since its being developed and marketed at breakneck speed, its become even more costlier. What you thought was the top of the line a week ago and paid top dollar for can become redundant a week later as its new and improved version hits the market. This is why try to stay tuned with the market trends, not just in terms of what’s new but also when it is most feasible to buy. The best time to buy laptops and PC’s is around the holiday season, which is ideal. Companies like Samsung, LG, Sharp, Sony, Panasonic, and Toshiba launch their latest TV’s around April and by January to February all their products go on sale. As far as cell phones are concerned, they should be deemed the FMCG’s (fast moving consumer goods) of the tech world. Since they are evolving at breakneck speed, therefore its futile to chase their sale dates.