I am a middle school teacher in a low-income district, yet the vast majority of my students carry cell phones. It can be a battle to fight off the text messaging, but it's no worse than passing notes. What concerns me are the deeper sociological issues connected to this. For instance, the use of cell phones, the viewing of mature movies, the scandelous clothes, the use of social networking sites - all of this points to a dissapearnace of childhood. As I watch my two year old, I want him to be a kid and not have to worry about cell phones or brand name clothes. In addition, I think the cell phones and iPods can make people selfish and self-centered. They grow up in an instant-gratificication society. Finally, I fear that the technology can diminish the human side of relationships. Instead of meeting in person, hang out in person and text message those who are not in person.
That leaves me with a nagging question (especially as my sons grow up). At what point should a child get a cell phone? (I personally do not have one and I am content abstaining from it, but I know that it's crazy of me to think my son will adopt the same stance.)