One Third of 11-Year-Olds Have Cell Phones

[Guest]

As a teacher, my observation is that cell phones are like any other potentially addictive thing - for some, it's no problem, simply a useful tool to be used *occasionally* and as *needed*, for many others it sucks their soul from their bodies and makes them stupid, unable to focus, plan ahead (why should they? they can always call and get bailed out, or picked up, or order pizza, or whatever), and even more utterly oblivious to the world around them than teens normally are. For a lot of students, it *seriously* impacts (in a very bad way) their study habits, sleep habits, attention span, and ability to learn and remember things. A common attitude is "I don't need to know this, because I can just look it it up on my phone or computer," but as a result they know so little that they are largely ineffective at looking up anything of significance or complexity, and are completely unprepared for any out-of-the ordinary change of plans.

I've seen I don't know how many situations (earthquakes, ice storms, wind storms, snow storms, accidents in remote locations) where calling for help simply wasn't an option or useful, and those who had the "cell phones are just another tool" attitude did fine, and those who lived on their phones were utterly lost, helpless, hopeless, and useless- no emergency plans, preparations, supplies, training, or clues; they adapted only slowly and poorly to real-world changes around them.

My kids will not get a cell-phone before 16 unless they pay for it, and if I'm paying for it, it'll have very strict usage limits.

 

[gender offender]

I propose mandatory lead helmets to shield from the radiation. Builds up heck strength.

 

[gender offender]

I propose mandatory lead helmets to courteract the radiation. Builds up neck strength.

 

[Mr_E]

While I cannot contribute a parent perspective, I find it interesting that people use the "when I was young" logic when justifying/admonishing children's technology ownership/use/interfacing. I say this because technology (especially computing tech) is an increasing integrated portion of of lives. I didn't have a cell phone as a child and my parents didn't have one when I was a child as well.

Today my wife and I don't have a home phone line, we use cell phones. I'm sure if/when we do have kids, the first time they want to go to a friends house there will be discussion about how they must contact us. Especially if "Bill's" parents are like us and don't have a land line. Without a cell phone present, we're left relying on another set of parents to provide my child with a means of contacting us.

 

[snurp85]

When I was in 11th grade I dated a girl and her 5yo cousin had a cell phone.. I didnt get mine until my sophomore year of college! and only because i bought it myself.

I completely agree that there is no point in young kids having cell phones and think there should be some sort of law against kids under the age of 16 or so having them.

If I ever have kids, it will probably be the house rule of "no license, no cell". Until then we will have a land line. Kinds these days need to learn to go out and play instead of getting wrapped up in technology. Sheesh... be a kid for christ's sake

 

[mhughes81]

I'm sure the wife and I are going to butt heads about this when my son gets to be a teenager. The wife is the worrier but I am the one that stands by the fact that young teens don't need a cell phone.

The crazy part about this is my kid has to learn his (my) phone number and is learning to read while in Kindergarten. They are pushing kids harder these days in school and expect a lot more out of them at younger ages. Kindergarten in my day was coloring, show and tell and recess for the most part.

 

[Guest]

My 9 year old sister's friend has a cellphone and everytime she is over at our house I swear she only uses it to show off. Nobody texts her or anything. And then she is also bringing ipods, cameras, cellphones and everything to school too.