Image: Jupiter Images/Polka Dot/Thinkstock
About This Quiz
Many parents think it would be practical for their kid to have a phone of her own, only to find her talking and texting 24/7 after she receives it. Take this quiz to see how much you know about kids and cell phones.
How old are most kids when they receive their first cell phone?
10
11
According to a recent survey, kids are starting to tote their own phones by age 11. About 10 percent of parents, however, buy phones for younger children.
15
Advertisement
How many texts does an average teenager send per month?
around 500
less than 1,000
more than 3,000
Believe it or not, most teenagers send more than 3,000 texts every month!
Advertisement
True or false: All 50 states have enacted texting and phone bans while driving.
true
false
All but 11 U.S. states have passed laws against distracted driving, which include bans on calling and texting while driving.
Yes, but the laws are different in every state.
Advertisement
In 2010, what percentage of car-related fatalities involved cell phones?
6 percent
18 percent
According to the Web site Distraction.gov, 18 percent of all vehicle fatalities in the U.S. in 2010 were "distraction related," meaning they were a direct result of texting or using the phone while driving.
35 percent
Advertisement
What is one unexpected side effect of texting for teenagers?
sore thumbs
sleep deprivation
Constantly texting with friends often means texting late into the night. Making sure your child turns her phone off before bed ensures she won't be tempted to stay up and chat with her friends.
always in the gossip loop
Advertisement
How do prepaid minutes help kids with cell phones?
They're forced to learn how to manage their phone usage.
Prepaid phones provide a certain, prepaid amount of minutes and texts each month. This helps kids manage their phone call lengths and limit the amount of texts they send each day.
They have to learn how to use a phone that's attached to the wall.
neither
Advertisement
What's the purpose of a cell phone contract with kids?
It allows you to lay out cell phone ground rules.
It gives you a chance to monitor your children and their phone use.
both
A cell phone contract approved by both parents and kids specifies phone use expectations and consequences.
Advertisement
Which activity will help keep your kids off their phones?
sports
art lessons
both
Active kids tend to spend more time interacting with other people instead of a phone keyboard!
Advertisement
What's the main reason parents say they give their kids cell phones?
safety concerns
If your kid travels alone to and from school or goes to activities without you, a cell phone may be practical for safety reasons. However, you should consider your child's needs before you put a phone in his hands.
to have the latest technology
to play games and listen to music
Advertisement
What is a phone "time out"?
a designated time for your kids to turn their phone off for the night.
Establishing a phone time out each night is an efficient way to keep kids off their phones. It's not a punishment, and it allows children to rest, eat or interact with the family without the constant, distracting sound of their ring tone.
a punishment for using the phone too much.
neither
Advertisement
You Got:
/10
Jupiter Images/Polka Dot/Thinkstock