That's according to a recent study, which also found that more than a quarter of all teens feel that it's "absolutely essential" to have the latest, greatest cell phone. Yikes.
The online survey of more than 2,000 teens (conducted by research firm Harris Interactive, via the L.A. Times) found that 45 percent of teens believe that a cell phone is "the key to my social life," while 37 percent say their phones are primarily "an indicator of my personal style"—compared to the mere 29 percent who answered "it's how I stay connected."
And here’s a stat I found pretty amazing: While teens still think clothing is the most important thing in terms of determining your "social status," cell phones now rank number two, with jewelry (and/or watches) and shoes bringing up the rear.
Also: About nine out of 10 teens say they text their pals on a regular basis, according to the survey (well, duh!). But check this out: a full 42 percent boasted they could text … blindfolded. Try that on for size.
Here's the kicker, at least for parents: About 45 percent of teens say that having the hottest new cell phone is anywhere from "important" to "absolutely essential"—and, interestingly enough, the 13- to 15-year-old set makes up the lion's share of the "absolutely essential" bucket.
Of course, keeping your kids in step with the latest in phone fashion can be an expensive habit, especially given that carriers can get stingy with handset discounts unless you're signing a new contract. And while pre-paid phones can be a lot cheaper, it looks like your kids won't be too impressed by a bargain-basement handset. Lucky you.
So, parents, what do you think: Willing to pony up for a hot new phone so Junior can keep up with his classmates? Or will you (heartlessly!) let your defenseless middle schooler suffer at the hands of iPhone-toting tormentors?
And for the teens: Is having the latest and greatest cell phone really that important, or are you fine with your old Moto V60 (or nothing at all)?
Related:
Cellphones the key to teen cool, study says [L.A. Times tech blog]
Well I'm a mom to be in about 4 months and I hate to think that I'll have a child that always expects the latest and greatest phone or computer. However that said, I understand the need for children to have a cell phone for their safety (though how I survived without one they will never understand)I read this Sullivan Report on the net that shows how important cell phones are for health and safety in the event of an accident or emergency. Sadly my child will probably have to survive with a pre-paid phone like Tracfone. I understand that pre-paid phones can be very useful in teaching money management to children, the simple penalty of running out of airtime if you spend it too early in the month can be a valuable lesson and it can keep kids off the phone for hours on end. Texting could also teach spelling and hand-eye co-ordination skills so I'm not altogether against kids having cell phones but I'm not about to play into their hands for the latest and greatest model either.