Responsible parenting was reported on Jan. 7, when the “Today” show spotlighted a story of a mother who gifted her son with his very first iPhone for Christmas. Janell Burley Hofman gave her 13-year-old son, Gregory, a contract agreement he had to abide by before the new iPhone was bestowed to him; a contract that struck a chord with parents so much, it had gone viral.
Hofman’s veracious contract caught the attention of numerous parents – giving them better incite on how to prepare with their own children – the safe usage of technology in social media.
The “iParent” contract, a concise with comical undertones, consists of an 18-point rule that really resonates with parents who have become increasingly concerned with Internet abuse by youths in recent years.
Extreme bullying has been a major concern – teenage suicides have risen – as a result of technology abuse.
The first rule of order on the agreement reads, “1. It is my phone. I bought it. I pay for it. I am loaning it to you. Aren’t I the greatest?”
Mrs. Hofman was blunt and by the end of the list of rules, she stated, “18. You will mess up. I will take your phone. We will sit down and talk about it. We will start over again. You & I, we are always learning. I am on your team. We are in this together.”
Barbara, a single grandmother living in Newark, N.J., raising her 15-year-old teenage son said, “This contract will be given to my grandson on his birthday next month and I hope this will keep him safe and aware of what’s out there.”
The full agreement to the 18-point rule can be viewed on Janell Burley Hofmann’s blog site.
How do you feel about 18-point contract? Please share your thoughts about it here.
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Related Content:
Mom goes viral with son's iPhone code of conduct, Today website
Gregory’s iPhone Contract, Janell Burley Hofmann website
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