[slickpoppa]

[ QUOTE ]
You guys are missing the point. The kids I am talking about are all 13 or so. The boys (for the most part) are not interested in girls yet. She has not asked about AIM and her friends are not using it. I am sure when she brings it up, we will be able to work out something reasonable.

What I am doing is forcing her to justify why she needs it. It's same thing if she wants a new bike or a new pair of jeans. She knows I am very generous by nature and not unreasonable. If she can make a case, then we can usually come to an accommodation.

If she can't justify why she needs something, then why is it necessary?

Just allowing kids to do/have something because everyone else is doing/has it the first step down a very slippery slope.

[/ QUOTE ]

But the argument that she doesn't really NEED text messaging is stupid too. 99% of the technology we use we don't need to survive. It's all merely a convenience.

I think the solution to the problem is moderation, not prohibition. I believe there are some plans that still charge per text message or put a cap on them. Force her to pay for her text messages and she will probably start using them more wisely.