Social Dilemma-Can You Take An Item Away From Your Kid If They Paid For It?

Today's social dilemma came about because of a story that was in the news earlier this week about a teenage girl whose parents disciplined her by taking her phone away.  The teenage girl proceeded to call the police to report a theft.   The police showed up and reminded the girl that having a phone is a privilege, not a right.  This led to a very interesting conversation with a friend of mine who has two teenagers, 14 and 16.  And yes I pray for her everyday :)  She said she has taken things away from the kids in the past as a way of disciplining but that there was some dicey territory.  Her 16 year old, who has saved her allowance money for a while, recently bought a new iphone.   The kid got into some trouble in school and her mom wanted to take the phone away, but her 16 year old reminded her that she had paid for it herself.   So my friend didn't know what to do.  I told her to take the phone.   The kid may have paid for the phone but she's not paying for the service, and she's still under your roof, and you're still the mom.   That's what I think anyway.  My friend thinks that not a good lesson to teach her teenage daughter because it will make her feel powerless.   I say when you're under 18 and living at home, you have to follow the rules.  And if the rules say you lose your phone if you get in trouble, doesn't matter who paid for it, you lose your phone.   I told her I would ask you, so I am.  What do you think?  Is it okay to take her daughters phone away or should she just turn off the service (which would end up costing money to take it off and put it back on again). Tell me what you think on the TRY Facebook page.