schools
Teen wants a cell phone? Financial experts say make them part of paying for it
By Rachel DePompa at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 14, 2026
· 2 min read
(InvestigateTV) — When a teen starts asking for a cell phone, experts say parents should have a financial plan in place before stepping foot in a store.Cherry Dale, vice president of financial education at Virginia Credit Union, said the key is not just which phone to buy — it is making sure the ...
Key takeaway Cherry Dale, vice president of financial education at Virginia Credit Union, said the key is not just which phone to buy — it is making sure the child understands how much owning a phone actually costs.
Why this matters in The Nashville
In Nashville 's schools, where students are increasingly expected to be digitally connected, the question of who pays for a teen's cell phone is more than just a family matter. As local families consider the financial implications of phone ownership, they must also navigate the varying policies of Metro Nashville Public Schools, where some schools may have stricter rules about phone use during class hours. By involving teens in the financial planning process, parents can help them develop a deeper understanding of the costs and responsibilities that come with phone ownership. This, in turn, can inform conversations about digital citizenship and responsible phone use, issues that are already being addressed in many Nashville classrooms. As Cherry Dale notes, establishing clear ground rules and expectations is crucial, and Nashville parents would do well to consider both the financial and educational implications of phone ownership when making decisions about their teens' mobile devices.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (InvestigateTV) — When a teen starts asking for a cell phone, experts say parents should have a financial plan in place before stepping foot in a store.Cherry Dale, vice president of financial education at Virginia Credit Union, said the key is not just which phone to buy — it is making sure the ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rachel DePompa at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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