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numbers can effectively reduce the chance of bullying while simultaneously keeping the monthly bill to a minimum. Your cell phone provider can help you filter and block numbers from your child’s phone. Calls and text messages are likely to form the bulk of bullying threats. The now common addition of a camera on most phones has created a new medium for bullying behavior. An innocent shot snapped quickly between classes can eventually find its way into a bully’s hands, becoming a weapon for teasing. Encourage your child to stay clear of impromptu camera shots; this will help minimize this threat.
    As with all other bullying incidents, the moment you become aware of a threatening email or phone call, or see anything online referencing your child in a negative way, report it to school administrators. Contacting the school is the first step to pulling the plug on cyberbullying.
Cell phones: middle school dos and don’ts
    Check the backpack of just about any middle schooler, and you’re bound to find a cell phone. These phones have become a fact of life for almost everyone from middle schoolers on up to adults. Middle school students should know that having a cell phone is a big responsibility, and they need to use it wisely.
    Your child can avoid the unpleasantness of having a teacher confiscate his cell phone if, before the school year starts, you take the time to review with him a few basic expectations. In general, schoolrooms and cell phones don’t mix. The school cell phone policy should be spelled out in the student handbook. Readingthis policy with your child can prevent his phone being confiscated later.
    Many teachers have their own rules about students bringing phones into their classroom. Review each class syllabus for specific cell phone rules. Teachers may have a separate set of expectations governing cell phone use in the classroom. The first time a phone accidentally rings, most teachers will issue a warning. The second time, your child may not be so lucky. Repeated “accidental” ringing usually results in the loss of a phone—or worse. Some teachers have even been known to give detention to students who won’t keep their ringers off during class. Stashing a phone out of sight, preferably in a backpack, is the best way to keep it from being taken by a teacher (or anyone else). The same rules apply to talking and texting. Teachers have become wise to the evolution of text messaging. Using a phone to text friends during class risks the same undesirable consequences as making a phone call.
    COACHING TIP
    Talk with your child about responsible cell phone use
before
the school year begins. Agree to a set of expectations that you both can live with. Talking about the consequences before a problem arises can save you hours of frustration and needless arguments .
    Speaking of texting, most middle schoolers now spend more time sending text messages on their cell phones than making actual phone calls. If your family doesn’t have a monthly cell phone plan with unlimited messaging, the first monthly bill after your child enters middle school can give you a shock. Avoid this unwelcome surprise by reviewing your family’s monthly call plan. Most cell phone plans come with a limited number of text messages as part of the monthly fee. Sending more messages than what’s included in your plan incurs extra fees that can add up quickly. If you suspect your child’s flurry of messages will sendthe monthly bill skyrocketing, take a few minutes to review your expectations for the cell phone’s use, as well as the consequences for acting irresponsibly. Sketch out a plan that seems reasonable for both you and your child. You may require that your child contribute the added expense for unlimited messaging or pay for any overage minutes, particularly in cases of repeated overuse.
Drugs and alcohol, by the numbers
    As addicting as text messaging can appear to be, the long-term effects