Pagers for Labor & Delivery
Pagers for Teens
I'm thinking about buying pagers for my teens, so I can reach them
after school when I'm at work and they are ??? If you've bought
a pager for your teen, could you reply to the newsletter and let
me know how it worked out? Did they use it? Did it get lost?
Where's a good place to buy pagers? What's the usual cost? Any
special features that worked especially well? -- Thanks
I got my 9th grader a pager when she started at BHS and it's been worth
it! I'd already been using PAGEUSA for my own pager. They have a family
plan (which I imagine all companies do) which provides for additional
pagers for family members at $5 a month. She wears it at all times
except in dance and keeps it on vibrate - has never left it on beeper.
She's never lost it. I've used it often (although rarely during the
school day). Some examples - if she's late coming home I page her to
make sure she's ok (she also has a cell phone, which I thought I'd never
do - also on a family plan from GTE for $10 a month). If I'm picking her
up and running late, I page her and put in the time I'll be there. Today
I used it because she and her friend needed to know if I was picking
them up or they were going to Telegraph Avenue so we agreed on a code
and I let her know that way. She's going to a concert in SF on Friday
with friends. If somehow the pickup with the designated father misses,
she can phone another mother who will be in the city - or the father can
page her and let the girls know exactly where he is. I work in both San
Jose and Hayward and I'm far more comfortable knowing I can get in touch
with her when I need to - and she with me.
Joan (12/99)
Last year, when my son was 12, he wanted a pager, as a gift, more than
anything else. I think it was a fashion thing. Anyway I resisted, as I
didn't see a need for it. But after much begging, we gave in a bought
him one.
As it turns out I am very happy we made that purchase, and make sure
he has it each morning when he leaves the house. Especially now that
he is older, and more independent it is important for our peace of
mind. We use it to keep track of him, and it is well worth the
money. I think we have "Airtouch" service, and pay about $10 per month
for unlimited use.
Danny
My two daughters wanted pagers and I funded them. It turned out to be a
real worry-saving device, and otherwise great for keeping in touch in our
busy and mobile world. I could page them no matter where they were (as long
as it was within pager range) and normally would get a call back within an
hour. Obviously it doesn't work if your teen is mad at you, unless they are
able to remain sympathetic to your anxiety about their safety in spite of
their anger. It costs about $75 per year (we have had several accounts at
Wave Wireless on San Pablo, and are very happy with their service and the
people) and if you compare that to the grey hairs you will get otherwise, a
very worthwhile investment. We have lost or had stolen three pagers between
the two children in the last 4 years. One became nonfunctional and was
replaced free of charge.
I, for one, was really glad to be a parent in the nineties in this case!
"Micaela
Regarding pagers:
The Ed code states the following:
"E.C. 48901.5
(a) No school shall permit the possession or use of any electronic
signaling device that operates through the transmission or receipt of
radio waves, including, but not limited to, paging and signaling
equipment, by pupils of the school whil the pupils are on campus, while
attending school-sponsored activities, or while under the supervision and
control of school district employees, without the prior consent of the
principal or his or her designee. No pupil shall be prohibited from
possessing or using an electronic signaling device that is determined by a
licensed physician and surgeon to be essential for the health of a pupil
and use of which is limited for purposes related to the health of the
pupil.
(b) The governing board of each school district shall take all steps it
deems practical within existing resources to discourage pupils from
possessing or using electronic signaling devices, except where the use of
an electronic signaling device is essential for the health of a pupil.
Doreen (12/99)
I got my son a pager about a year ago. Overall, I have found it to be
a good thing. The cost is very low - $7.00 a month if you pay a year
in advance. We got it at Beeper City off Telegraph, but there are
other places. For years we have struggled with him not letting us
know where he is, worrying when he's late, etc. It has greatly
improved our ability to keep in touch with him. I can't say he always
returns our pages in a timely manner, but when he doesn't there's
usually a reason - he was in a movie, on BART, etc. Once it was
stolen and had to be replaced, in which case you report it stolen and
there's a replacement price. I would recommend it.
Miriam
Gave up on pagers - never would wear it (not cool)- couldn't hear it
in the back back where they kept it.
We've gone to cellphones - family net from GTE - $0.10 /min between
family phones. More monthly expense, but then they don't have to find
a payphone to talk to you. -Much more peace of mind- They can call if
they're in trouble or have car trouble.
Roger (12/99)
My husband bought a pager for our teenage son. Yes, we use it to contact
him since we don't have his extra-curricular schedule memorized and we'd
get worried when he didn't return home 'on time.' And he can call home,
tell us to beep him in 5 minutes if we can come to pick him up at XXX
location. He knows if we don't beep him, then he'll take another bus, or
walk home. He does remember to keep it with him, and he hasn't lost it. I
think the cost was reasonable; I don't know the brand. --Bonnie (12/99)
I use Take 2, on University, by Andronico's:
- $49/year (everything included, no bogus activation or recrystallizing fees),
- free batteries whenever yours run out,
- 3 months free for referral,
- friendly service (they want business)
Note that this was with me bringing in my own pager.
Drawback: it took several trips back to the store to actually get the pager
working properly, and I think that in the end my wife even got it replaced
at no charge.
If you want something more reliable, for $60/yr everything included, try
Fortune paging on San Pablo in El Cerrito.
Basically, taking 20 mins to look at the Yellow Pages and make phone calls
is definitely worth it with these services. Good luck.
Eric (2/99)
Pagers for Labot & Delivery
Heleen
11/99
Since I am pregnant and my husband wants to attend a conference in Berkeley
during my due date, we
would like to rent a pager for 2 months. Where can we rent one in the
neighbourhood?
Denise
I believe that Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley rents pagers to expectant
parents. I don't have the number on hand, but this was a program in the
prenatal care department I think.
My husband got a PageNet pager which we had activated for a few months
when I was working and travelling a bit. We terminated the service (you
keep the beeper) after I quit working, but reactivated it six months
later for a month or two before the birth of our second.
It worked out really well.
Laura (3/00)
this page was last updated: Jun 2, 2003
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