Texting Now Teens’ Main Form Of Communication

Posted on 26. Apr, 2010 by marklink in blog

NEW YORK — Teenagers have embraced text messaging as their main form of communication, but mobile phones are often a source of tension with parents and schools, a new survey finds. The frequency with which teens text has overtaken every other form of interaction, including instant messaging and talking face-to-face, according to a study released Tuesday by researchers at Pew Research Center and the University of Michigan. Three-quarters of teens now own cell phones, up from 45 percent in 2004. Of those who own cell phones, 88 percent text, up from just over half in 2006.

Text messaging refers to the exchange of brief written messages between mobile and portable devices over cellular networks. While the original term (see below) was derived from referring to messages sent using the Short Message Service (SMS), it has since been extended to include messages containing image, video, and sound content (known as MMS messages). The sender of a text message is known as a texter, while the service itself has different colloquialisms depending on the region: it may simply be referred to as a text or a texto in North America, an SMS in the United Kingdom and most of Europe, and a TMS in the Middle East, Asia and Australia.

At the same time, cell phones and teens’ attachment to them are a source of conflict with parents and schools. Many parents limit cell phone use and 48 percent said they use it to monitor their kids’ whereabouts — either by using GPS technology or calling the child to check in. Not surprisingly, the parents of girls aged 12 and 13 were more likely to say they monitor cell phone use. The limits did seem to have tangible benefits. Teens were less likely to report regretting a text they sent, or having sent sexual content by text message, if their parents placed limits on text messaging. They were also less likely to use their cell phones dangerously while driving. Schools, the survey found, often ban cell phones from classrooms, and some from school grounds entirely, seeing them as a “disruptive force.” Still, more than half of teens who own mobile phones said they have sent a text message during class, even though their school bans mobile phones.

Texting while driving leads to increased distraction behind the wheel. In 2006, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group conducted a survey with more than 900 teens from over 26 high schools nationwide. The results showed that 37% of students found texting to be “very” or “extremely” distracting. A study by the AAA discovered that 46% of teens admitted to being distracted behind the wheel due to texting. One example of distraction behind the wheel is the 2008 Chatsworth train collision which killed 25 passengers. The subsequent investigation revealed that the engineer had sent 45 text messages while operating the train.

A 2009 experiment with Car and Driver magazine editor Eddie Alterman that took place at a deserted air strip showed that texting while driving had a greater impact on safety than driving drunk. While legally drunk, Alterman’s stopping distance from 70 mph increased by 4 feet; by contrast, reading an e-mail added 36 feet, and sending a text added 70 feet.[1]

If you or someone you know is involved in a texting accident call our office today. We can answer any questions you may have as well as inform you of your rights regarding such an accident.

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