Charge it to My Phone!

Already popular in Asia, mobile bill paying is starting to infiltrate the U.S.. A web resource called BilltoMobile allows anyone with a cell phone (YES, a basic cell phone works) to be able to to charge digital purchases to their cell phone bill via their cell phone. No need to use carry credit online anymore. Just charge purchases to your phone.

However, there is an interesting twist to this resource, it is being targeted at teens and younger adults. Which can be worrisome, since many do not have or understand how to use credit cards and keep from getting into credit debt. I think this marketing is another good reason why it is vital to teach youth about ethical and legal issues when using mobile phones. Many university students have gone into terrible debt because they don't understand the consequences of signing up for so many credit cards and maxing them out. I don't want the same thing to happen to teenagers who think using their phone as a never-ending cash machine is economically savvy. They need to learn how to use a cell phone as a credit card in an appropriate, safe, and professional manner. This is a teaching opportunity.