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Corded Communication
Teaching Preteens Telephone Tact
By Megan Kopp
Another important issue is how to use the phone correctly in an emergency. Numbers should be visibly posted (or entered in the speed-dialing feature of the phone set) for parents' cell phones, neighbors, police, fire and ambulance. When calling 9-1-1, kids should know that it's vital to state not only the nature of the emergency and where they live, but to ask if there is anything else they need to provide before hanging up. As with any phone call, be sure of the number before dialing.
Answering the phone politely, taking messages and using the phone in an emergency are basic skills that will be used throughout a lifetime. Another life lesson can be taught with regards to long distance, 1-900 and operator-assisted calls. Parents need to address the family policy regarding such calls, discuss what is appropriate and what isn't and be prepared to follow up.
"If a child knowingly places a call that will have charges [without their parent's permission], they should be made to pay it back," Petersen says. "Use the phone as an opportunity to teach life skills." By being made accountable for their actions, kids will learn that paying bills is an unpleasant, but unavoidable, reality of life.