Parents foot the bill, depend on technology to keep kids connected to the family unit
Jackson, Miss. (August 10, 2006) – Today's parents view wireless phones as not only a way to track their teens' whereabouts, but also as a way to connect busy family members in a 21st century version of the kitchen table after-school chat.
Carolyn Brigham of Memphis gave her daughter, Lindsay, now 17, a cell phone when she was 15 years old. Brigham, a Cellular South customer, says that the device provides her peace of mind and is a 24-hour source of information.
"We wanted her to be able to call us when she was out, to let us know that she made it to her destination safely, and let us know if there was an emergency situation where we needed to pick her up," Brigham said. "She is currently out visiting colleges and just sent me a text saying 'OMG (oh my gosh), I love this place!' It feels good to receive messages like that."
Lindsay Brigham says that she currently has no restrictions on her phone since her family takes advantage of unlimited minutes and text plans. She enjoys the flexibility that having a phone provides her.
"I use the phone a lot!" she said. "I primarily use text messaging because it's easier to text than to call people. Sometimes I just need to ask a quick question and not have a long conversation."
Lara Ladner of Pearl agrees that equipping your child with a cell phone provides a sense of security. As a working mother, she says her 14-year-old daughter Logan is required to keep her cell phone on when she is out with friends.
"We have a rule that when she is not home that the phone must be on at all times," Ladner said. "It's a security measure for her and a safety measure for me."
Ladner adds that Logan has had a phone since age 12 when she began to hang out with friends.
"She is now a freshman in high school and we have moved to her text messaging me and then I call her back," Ladner said.
According to a recent survey conducted by Forrester Research, 67 percent of U.S. teens ages 12 to 17 have their own wireless phones, and more than two-thirds of them use text messaging on their phones. Although the overall percentage of wireless phone ownership is higher among adults than teens, their usage patterns differ, with adults primarily using their phones to make voice calls and teens opting for more non-voice products and services.
A July 2006 article in Smart Money magazine noted that teens are the biggest consumers of ringtones, games and graphics, and are more likely than their parents to have a camera phone or one with internet capabilities.
Almost half of teen wireless phone owners use their phones for instant messaging, to take pictures and buy ringtones. A slightly lower percentage of teens play games or go beyond taking pictures to actually sending and receiving them on their phones.
With all these services in play, wireless phone bills are a constant source of concern for parents, who pay the bills for 70 percent of teen wireless phone users.
To avoid billing surprises, wireless carriers typically advise parents to monitor their children's phone use as well as teach teenagers to track their own usage monthly.
Cellular South customers also have the option of flat rate plans that are designed to eliminate billing surprises. The company offers voice calling plans with unlimited, flat rate usage, and its text messaging plan lets customers send and receive an unlimited number of messages nationwide for a flat monthly rate.
Kody Britt, Sr. of Vicksburg says that by his son having the same unlimited calling and text messaging plan he has, he can expect a wireless bill with few surprises.
"I like my son having a cell phone to keep in contact with me and let me know if there is an emergency and he needs me," Britt said. "We usually begin our day with him sending me a text in the morning or me sending him a joke. In the afternoon we call each other and that is our daily routine."
About Cellular South
Cellular South is the largest privately held wireless provider in the U.S. The company is focused on providing the best service possible through its nationwide wireless voice and data network, award-winning customer care, state-of-the-art wireless devices, and commitment to the communities it serves. Cellular South was recently honored with the 2005 Wireless Week Excellence Award, 2006 Newcomen Award, 2006 Mississippi Better Business Bureau Integrity Award and a concurrent resolution from the Mississippi Legislature commending the executives and employees of Cellular South for the company's extraordinary efforts in Hurricane Katrina's wake.
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Contact
Tanya Rankin, Cellular South (601) 974-7134 trankin@cellularsouth.com