How to Convince Your Parents to Buy a Cell Phone for You

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You may feel apprehensive about asking your parents to buy you a cell phone, especially if you think they won’t agree. To convince your parents, you should demonstrate that you need a cell phone, that you are responsible, and that you can contribute a little extra payment. By thinking carefully about what you should say, boldly presenting it to your parents, and accepting their decision, you are one step closer to your dream of having a new phone.

Table of Contents

Thinking about what to say

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Consider why your parents refused to buy you a cell phone. To convince your parents, you need to anticipate the reasons they will give. Think about what they will say, so you can have your answer ready. For example, they won’t agree because you’ve broken some electronic device in the past, but you should convince them that you’re older, more mature, and know how to take care of your stuff. .

If parents are worried about money, they will say they can’t afford a new phone.
If you often play video games, your parents will worry about you downloading too many game apps.
If your sibling is caught talking to the wrong person, your parents will worry that you will do the same.

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Prepare answers. You need to give feedback when your parents think you shouldn’t buy a phone; so have a compelling argument ready for each of the reasons listed.

Prove to your parents that phones aren’t as expensive as they think, or explain how you’ll contribute to the cost.
Ask your friends to recommend some free game apps, or promise your parents that you won’t download games. If your parents are concerned about the amount of time you spend playing games, promise to cut down on gaming if you have a phone.
Allow your parents to check in from time to time to see who’s texting or chatting with you.

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Think about why you need a phone. It’s easier to convince your parents if you have a clear reason; So, have a script ready for parents to realize the need for a phone by listing all the reasons why you need it.

Your phone will make it easy to contact your parents in the event of an emergency or call for help when in danger. You can exaggerate a little, but if you speak too tragically, your parents will think you are joking, immature and should not use the phone.
Tell your parents that young people your age often experience peer pressure, so having easy contact with friends will help you through these situations.
When you’re out of school, you can also ask to borrow your friends’ notebooks and exchange assignments. Or, you need to use your phone in case you have to replenish your homework after a class break or forget a book or notebook. Let your parents know that if you don’t have your own phone, you’ll have to use theirs and this will be annoying.

Talk to your parents

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Choose the right time. Ask your parents for advice when they are comfortable and in a good mood. If they are busy, in a hurry, or just had a tiring day, you shouldn’t be thinking about buying a phone. Don’t disturb a parent if they are talking to someone, whether on the phone or in person. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

If your parents are busy doing something, you can let them know that you want to talk when they are free. You could say, “Mom, I know you’re cooking dinner, but if you have some free time tonight, I’ll talk to you about it.”
You can write a letter asking your parents to buy a phone for you.

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Behave maturely. You need to be polite and know the right and wrong when communicating with your parents. If you whine, argue, or walk away angrily, your parents will think you’re not mature enough to own a phone.

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Hit the psyche of the parents. You can touch your parents in many ways, including addressing concerns about safety, need for independence, and need for social acceptance. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

If you’re often away from home for a sport or activity, let your parents know that your phone will help you stay in touch while you’re away.
Tell your parents a story about a young person who was in danger and needed the phone to call someone. For example, you could say, “Do you remember when a girl was stopped by a stranger on the street a few alleys from my house? She used her cell phone to call 113 and get help.”
Point out the negative effects of not having a phone in communication, such as making friends or communicating with friends.

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Give appropriate arguments. Let your parents know that buying a phone will benefit the whole family. This is where you give your prepared answers to why your parents are opposed to buying a phone. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

For example, if your parents usually pick you up after school, say you can call them when it’s time to pick up so they don’t have to wait long.
Use prepared responses, such as, “I know you’re worried about me using my phone during dinner, but I promise I’ll put it in the bedroom while we eat dinner.”

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Give specific examples. You can print articles that explain why kids your age should use phones. Choose articles from trusted sources so that parents feel confident. ^{[6] X Research Source}

Find articles that advise parents to let children your age or younger use cell phones.
Avoid articles written by other young people and make sure the author is reputable.

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Volunteer to take on other assignments. Let your parents know that you will be doing extra housework to get your phone and how you will use your phone to do some extra learning activities. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

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Let parents set limits. Maybe your parents will agree to buy a phone when you’re willing to follow the rules they set and don’t mind letting them check the phone. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Suggest ways to check your phone so your parents know you’re following their rules. You can even suggest using a tracking app so they can track your location.
If your parents say you’re not allowed to text your friends, don’t get mad. Over time, they will allow you to do so if you are mature and responsible.

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Let the parents choose the phone and the plan. Don’t worry too much about phone type or features. Ask your parents to choose a prepaid plan or a cheap phone line when they first buy a phone.

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Actively contribute money to buy a phone. If you save some pocket money or birthday money, ask your parents to use that money to buy a phone. You can also offer to reduce your allowance to pay your phone bill or contribute your salary from a part-time job, babysitting or gardening. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Accept parent’s answer

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Accept parent’s answer. If your parents don’t agree, you shouldn’t oppose or argue with them. Show your parents that you’re a mature person by listening with composure. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Stay calm and take a deep breath before you respond.
Avoid arguing. Arguing with parents will not change their decision; on the contrary, they will be tougher with the decision not to buy the phone.
Understand parents’ responses. If a parent says no, remember that they have a good reason. They know what’s good for you or they can’t afford a phone at the moment.

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Ask for more information. Whether your parents agree or disagree, it’s a good idea to ask a few more clarifying questions to see what you need to do next. ^{[11] X Research Source}

If the parents agree, ask them the rules and expectations, such as “I’m really excited about getting a new phone! So what can I do to prove that you made the right decision?”
If they don’t, try asking what you can do to prove yourself eligible to use the phone. For example, “What can I do to prove I am responsible for my cell phone use?”

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Plan your next step. If your parents agree, try asking when they’ll take you out to buy the phone. In the event your parents disagree, there are a few things you can do to show them that you’re responsible and rethink how you show your parents you need the phone. ^{[12] X Research Source}

If they disagree, remember that you can talk about it later or they will consider it; So you shouldn’t be angry. Instead, think about what you can do now to be successful in your next phone purchase.
Remember that when you ask your parents to buy a phone, don’t annoy them by constantly asking for a phone. They will not be satisfied with your actions.

Advice

Promise your parents that you won’t go over the limit, such as text messages, calling minutes, or mobile data – unless you have an unlimited plan.
Choose a holiday to ask your parents to buy a phone, such as Christmas or a birthday, and ask for only one thing.
Start slowly by asking for an old phone call from a parent or sibling. To demonstrate that you are responsible, limit the time you spend on your phone.
Show your parents that you are not addicted to another electronic device you have.
Remember that your parents might surprise you one day and decide to buy you a phone. Don’t be so quick to lose faith.
Make good on promises to yourself and your parents, like leaving your old phone or other electronic device in your bedroom during dinner and/or turning it off after 9:30 p.m. or at bedtime.
Prove you’re a responsible person in the early days of your phone and then gradually allow yourself to play games on your phone. Let your parents know what games you’re playing, and set a timer each time you play a game. This is very effective!
Appreciate the parents’ decision.
Don’t use your phone all day. Stop for an hour or 30 minutes to show that you still care about your parents, not just looking at your phone.
Let parents set limits. Please continue to take good care of the electronic devices you have, and if you are always responsible, parents will consider buying a phone.
Before talking to your parents, you can write an email or handwritten letter explaining why you want/need the phone.

Warning

Children under the age of 10 often find it difficult to get a phone. That doesn’t mean your parents will outright say no, though, but you should still be aware of this.

Steps

Thinking about what to say

Talk to your parents

Accept parent’s answer

Advice

Warning

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