Teens and Media

OK-
   I am a MOM pretty frustrated today about cell phones, face book, mp3 players/ ipods, and computers in general!
   I know we need to have these things in our homes to keep us up on the local news, the postings of friends and relatives who live far away, and as a convenient way for the family to stay connected as we go through this VERY busy time in our lives. I also understand media is a wonderful tool for us as parents to keep a tight rein on the activities of our kids... BUT... right now...I could put them all in a pile & blow torch the entire lot into an enormous pile of hot fused molten gray metal!
   When you tell your teenager about the dangers of answering EVERY text, e-mail, face-book query, or phone call with caution, and you have actually given scenarios of "STRANGER DANGER," which includes the grossest things you could imagine- you might think some of it actually sunk in...right?  WRONG!  They are still teenagers, and they have their own ideas about following instructions. While listening to your latest media guidelines, they look at you with those wide eyed blue (brown, or green) eyes...full of earnest intent to grasp everything you are saying. They furrow their brows as if taking in ancient, deep wisdom. They might even burst out with a quick question that is completely on topic of what the years of knowledge are imparting to their young mind.  Smiling , you give the new media device to your now well informed teen, knowing they are not only the most intelligent child in the universe, respectful to you their ever so wise parent, they are now ready to face this bright new world with cell phone etiquette in hand.  You've done your job. Patting yourself on the back, displaying a huge grin, you walk confidently away from the home, giving them some time to be alone and responsible with their new found device!.
   Not one hour later you receive a report that this same well informed teen (who may we remember is THE smartest child in the universe?)  has just gone onto the internet with said phone and has run up a media bill (which was NOT on their phone plan) to the tune of over $1500!!! If that weren't the worst- this same teen managed to dupe you into believing it was not their fault. They did NOT go on the internet with their new cell phone- nor have they ever played those games!
(May we re-visit that media talk from a paragraph ago?)
   As they sat there furrowing their brow and asked an "on topic" question... Here is the truth to what was going through their brain:
"COOL phone. Love the fact that I can get FREE GAMES too. I know my friend on face book was telling me how to do it the other day.... I am gonna love texting, sending pictures, and sharing games with all my friends! This is gonna be SO cool!" (All the while you were wasting your breath thinking something was REALLY sinking in this time!)

   So...off you march to the cell phone store to have it out with the sales person who was supposed to have blocked your kid from the cell phone internet feature. You spend hours fighting   for your parental right to protect your teen and for the reversal of the bill (which you triumphantly accomplish).  In the meantime, you have given yard work, slave labor, and hours of writing assignments to correct the "wrong" your young genius has committed.  Then, out of nowhere, the sweet repentant child comes to you in sorrow, confessing their stupidity and honoring your consequences like a grown up. You melt.  You must stand your ground because you know it is good parenting to hold your position...then you remember what it was like to be a goofy teenager wanting another chance... and you give in!  There you go beaming from ear to ear with anticipation, you hand them back the communication device a few days later, so proud they have learned their lesson.   Then, as they wander off with their new found freedom, you wonder...what was it I needed most as a teen?  OH, that's right...SPACE...and sleep!       
  I suppose I can trust again, but it is so difficult in this crazy world of media.  Where will it lead my kids? What will happen to them? Have they learned enough truth about today's media perps and gps tracking and how to protect themselves? Will it stick in their brains?  I guess all parents come to this in their lives at one point or another. I just have to let it be.
 I promise to put the blow torch away now and bring the devices back in the house. I will dutifully plug them back in and act as if nothing is wrong.... I will give them the benefit of doubt....until the next battle!