New research has some chilling things to say concerning cell phones and teenagers.
Years ago, my wife and I were active members of our local Jaycee (Junior Chamber of Commerce) chapter. During our time as Jaycees, we took part in the annual Model General Assembly, a time when Jaycees from all over Virginia descended on Richmond to play the part of state legislators. It was a neat experience. We got to debate bills that the actual General Assembly was considering - and also our own. One of the authentic bills debated concerned the prohibition of cell phones for teenagers.
At the time, I thought barring teens from carrying cell phones to school was a bit draconian. I voted against the measure. The arguments given were because of gang activity, drug deals, and other related activities. Cell phones in the hands of teens would apparently facilitate these activities. I thought this an unpersuasive argument.
Years later, I became a high school teacher, and while I never observed cell phones helping to facilitate drug deals and criminal activity, I did see how cell phones negatively impacted the learning environment in schools. Many of the teens I taught were frankly addicted to cell phones. They carried them wherever they went and were constantly using them - most often by text messaging their friends. They did this in the bathroom, at their lockers, and in the classrooms. They did it everywhere.
Now, it appears, that text-messaging at inappropriate times during the school day is only the tip of the iceberg of what is a growing problem. Cell phones have contributed to abusive and/or codependent relationships.
Follow the link to read an article about this chilling problem...
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200702/CUL20070212a.html
