Well, with all the hazards shown for having cell phones on this Mahalo page on Cell Phone Hazards - including reproductive damage (1) you would think that delaying their exposure to the dangers would be better for their health. Actually, the mounting evidence is so compelling that adults would be well advised to take note and question their own cell phone use that they may now take for granted.

However, a recent survey shows that cell phones have become completely ingrained in the culture of teens and there is enormous pressure for them to not only have a cell phone, but the latest fashion gadget. In fact, cell phones are getting so prevalent that even children are starting to get them. (2)

A search of the Internet using terms like: teens "cell phones" finds even more problems with cell phone use such as sleep disorders (3), and mood and confidence disorders (4).

However, teen cell phone use continues to be well established with advice columns for teens using cell phones (5), for parents on how to handle their teen cell phone use (6), and by professional associations on to how to take advantage of the technology for parental monitoring of the location of their teens (7). On the other hand, the legal profession has been busy separating teens from their cell phones while driving in 17 states as of July 2007 (8).

Are there any clear advantages for teens having cell phones other than what was mentioned already? According to the Center on Media and Child health, "The benefits of cell phones in emergency situations is undisputed. The Pew Internet & American Life Project found that 74 percent of Americans say they’ve used a cell phone in an emergency."(8). They also speak about further benefits and disadvantages, advice as to what parents can do about teen cell phone use, and give further information and research links to a very complicated issue.



Creative Commons Photo '1000 mobiles'



Source(s):
(1) http://www.mahalo.com/Cell_Phone_Hazards
(2) http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/15/tech/cnettechnews/main4449232.sht...
(3) http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=90139
(4) http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/05/24/MNGVKJ12341....
(5) http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art46276.asp
(6) http://parents.berkeley.edu/advice/teens/phone.html
(7) http://www.guardianangeltech.com/
(8) http://www.healthline.com/blogs/teen_health/2007/09/july-2008-law-bans-teen...
(9) http://www.cmch.tv/mentors/hotTopic.asp?id=70

Permalink | Report

I agree that having a cell phone is a lot of responsibility. However, the benefits they offer in emergency situations can't be ignored. Plus, there aren't pay phones on every corner, like there used to be, so if your teen gets stuck she won't have any other way to call.

If you're concerned about running up a bill, I'd recommend a pay as you go phone. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Virgin Mobile all offer reasonable plans, and that way your teen can get involved in seeing the costs of the phone.
Permalink | Report

Yes, teens should have phones, but teens should also have limits. Especially if the teen is a new driver and is out a lot socially, that piece of mind is helpful for both parent and child.

The hard part is teaching them to be responsible and not talk or text while driving.
Permalink | Report

Teens can use cell phones. But I suggest they have to use prepaid phones so that they have limited to use their phones, depending on how much is loaded on their prepaid phones. Unlike monthly phones, you don't have the control to limit the use of their phone and your bill could go sky rocket. All best cell phones have lots of cell phones to choose from, from $40 for your teens phone.
Permalink | Report