The Issue of Teenagers and Cellphones

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According to the Pew Research Center at Harvard University, “78% of teens now have a cell phone, and almost half (47%) of those own smartphones” (Pew Research). There is no question that the number of American teenagers that own cell phones is increasing as technology continuously advances in today’s society. So many developments in cellular technology explain why teenagers crave the latest cell phone on the market. Parents of teenagers have to make the decision of whether or not their teen should own the newest phone. Surprisingly, these small portable phones have created a controversy among many parents and pediatricians among America. Some believe that teenagers should have a cell phone to provide safety and assurance to the teens and their parents. Whereas many claim that cell phones are not beneficial towards teenagers and the owning of a cell phone should wait until adulthood. Although some parents argue that cell phones provide teenagers with safety, teenagers should not own cell phones due to the various medical issues and social problems that are linked to teenagers owning cell phones. Cell phones are the cause of many social problems and issues among American teenagers. Teenagers are now beginning to rely on cell phones in order to communicate with others. Rather than verbally conversing, teens have harvested the habit of only having confidence through talking through cell phones. Nini Halkett, a Los Angeles high school teacher for over twenty years, explains that teens have the courage to ask for deadline extensions or help through the computer but rarely speak to teachers face-to-face. The teens who can’t communicate without technology worry her in terms of their ability to interact the people especially out in the w... ... middle of paper ... ...webmd.com/features/children-and-cell-phones>. Holladay, Jennifer. Increased Access to Electronic Media Fosters Cyberbullying. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Greenhaven, 2012. Web. 15 Dec. 2013. . Kefely, Sofya. Personal interview. 23 Dec. 2013. Pew Reasarch Center, ed. Teens and Technology 2013. Washington D.C.: Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, 2013. Print. Steyer, James. "Why Media Could Be Bad for Your Child's Health." Interview by Gilbert Cruz. TIME 4 Dec. 2008: n. pag. Print.

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