Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Whacha Think???

Cell Phones Key to Teens’ Social Lives, 47% Can Text with Eyes Closed

Nearly half (47%) of US teens say their social life would end or be worsened without their cell phone, and nearly six in 10 (57%) credit their mobile device with improving their life, according to a national survey from CTIA and Harris Interactive.

Four out of five teens (17 million) carry a wireless device (a 40% increase since 2004), finds the study titled “Teenagers: A Generation Unplugged,” which probes how the growing teen wireless segment is using wireless products and how they want to use them in the future.

Impact on Teen Life

A majority (57%) of teens view their cell phone as the key to their social life.
Second only to clothing, teens say, a person’s cell phone tells the most about their social status or popularity, outranking jewelry, watches and shoes.

In our High School Ministry we just banned cell phones. At the start of the school year we initiated a new policy that states, "At all Westover Youth Events cell phones are no longer allowed." The use of cell phones...mainly texting during classes, small groups, and worship was so bad that we decided just to remove the temptation. We had, for 10 months asked the teens to power off their cell phone and put it away, what they did was silence their phone and text in their pocket. So during worship everyone's pants were lighting up. Brings a whole new meaning to the saying "...or are you just happy to see me?"

Our policy was met, surprisingly, with very little resistance...just one family. What we ask is for teens to either leave their cell phone at home, or in their car. Prior to entering our youth center teens are greeted by adults and asked to drop off their phone, if they neglected option one or two, into their huddle basket...so phones are divided by age groups.

Don't know why I'm talking about this today, but cell phone useage, when it comes to teenagers is a necessity now more than a privilege and that just ticks me off!

So, what are your thoughts???

5 Comments:

Blogger Jen said...

We started the same thing at our church. when they arrive at group, they have to place it in a box that we have. If they "forget" to give it to us as they walk in, we take it when we see it and will give it to their parent when they get picked up. I love my phone but they aren't considerate or mature enough with theirs! Rude!!!

September 24, 2008 at 9:48 PM  
Blogger Neena said...

I agree with this too. We are actually doing a research topic on this in my research class. I think it is sad that they are so addicted to it. I told one of them that I hadn't used my phone all day on a Sunday and they looked at me like I was insane.

September 25, 2008 at 10:06 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Now there is something I never had to deal with as a Youth Minister. And I'm so glad. These newfangled contraptions and ruining our whole society. :) Sounds just like
the old guy

September 25, 2008 at 1:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I can understand your frustration with cell phones being a distraction during youth group events and totally agree with your policy of "No Cell Phones". However, I would encourage you to not identify the cell phones as the problem that "ticks you off". The real problem is the lack of respect and understanding that teens (and adults) have for when and how to use cell phones. Texting is here to stay, so we might as well accept it and come to an understanding on what is appropriate.

October 1, 2008 at 10:03 AM  
Blogger Josh said...

Anonymous, if you'll carefully read my words that's what I expressed as my frustration. I believe my exact quote to what ticks me off was, "when it comes to teenagers (cell phones) is a necessity now more than a privilege.

I understand, more than most, that cells and texting are here to stay. My goal in our new policy is to help teach respect and appropriateness.

names are always appreciated.

October 4, 2008 at 9:43 PM  

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