Family on the Phone

If we think about our teenage years, I am sure we can all remember how a special brand of shoes or a hair style or a “cool” piece of clothing or jewelry distinguished certain people within our peer group. Would it surprise you to learn that one of the most important personal trademarks for teenagers today is their cell phone?

Cell phones are status symbols.

Many parents give their teenagers a cell phone for safety and security reasons as well as to assist with everyday communication within the family. For many teens however, a cell phone is as much a status symbol as a communication device. Among their peers, a teen’s cell phone is one of the top four things – along with clothes, jewelry and shoes – that helps determine a teens social status.

So, what is a teen’s ideal digital device?

Although a simple phone may be satisfactory for younger children or tweens, teenagers typically prefer phones with a “coolness” factor. A teenager’s dream phone would not only look sleek and unique but would also have features like text messaging, a camera, an mp3 player, and internet access.

Since most teens text more than they talk, the texting feature is of supreme importance. Also, since social media is so integral in the lives of teens today, having web access to sites like Facebook and My Space is very important to them. Beyond the basics, teens appreciate being able to choose from a plethora of ring tones, games, and wallpaper in order to accessorize and personalize their phones.

The stats say it all.

According to lmk Life Online, polls conducted by WiredSafety show the following fascinating statistics for cell phone use among teens.

• 24% sleep with their cell phones so they won’t miss a text message or call.
• 12% know of someone whose boyfriend broke up with them by text message.
• Sixty-five percent have sent a text message that was misunderstood by the recipient or sent to the wrong person.
• Forty percent received a text message from someone they didn’t recognize or didn’t know and
• 52% have received a text message promoting a product, service or website.
• More than 80% have gotten into trouble for high cell phone bills or for losing or breaking their phone.
• 51% of teens said they could not live without their cell phone.

In 2008, a study showed that 71% of teens between the ages of 12 and 17owned a cell phone. It is probably safe to say that the numbers will continue to creep up as time goes by. Cell phones are definitely not viewed as just another neat toy or nifty gadget by today’s teenagers. They are an important tool and a lifeline to their social network. Like it or not, cell phones are an important part of growing up for our teens.

The 4-1-1

Here are some additional sites you might like to check out for more information about teens and cell phones.

• Stats and research results about teens and cell phones
• The trouble with texting and other information
• What are teens favorite features in a cell phone?

So, what do you think of the growing popularity of cell phones among teenagers? Let me know !

photo credit: AH!Photography

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