If you want to give your preteen a cell phone, make sure you get them a plan that fits your budget and their needs. If they like to text a lot, you should consider plans that have unlimited texting. If you don't, you may end up with a huge bill.
You don't have to pay for information. There are alternatives to these high charge services. You can just dial 1-800-411-FREE. You'll just have to listen to an ad before you get your answer.
If you've got a weak signal, consider shutting your cell phone off for a time. Weak signals are notorious battery hogs for your cell phone. You'll lose power very quickly when you're in an area with only a bar or two. If you plan to be out all day, shutting down your phone for a period is your best bet to keep some battery in play later.
Does your cell battery die fast? Maybe your signal is weak. A weak signal places a significant drain on the battery. If you aren't going to use your phone, never place it somewhere with a weak signal, like your closet or drawer.
You never have to appear to be a novice when it comes to understanding cell phones. In fact, with the great knowledge you have acquired today, you can show off to your friends and family about how knowledgeable you are when it comes to knowing things about cell phones. Just keep in mind all that you have learned today and expand on that information.