Cell Phones

What are Cell Phones?

A cell phone is a mobile phone that uses a line of sight connection to various transmitting towers. The geographical area supported by one of the transmitting towers is considered a cell. A phone call may move from cell to cell while the person using the phone is in transit.

Cell phones have many features that go far beyond the ability to make a phone call. Depending on the model, different phones may be capable of text messaging, voice mail, games, email access, scheduling, and image generation (camera phone). There are even hands free camera headsets.

Dangers:

The dangers of a child accessing the Internet on the phone are the same as accessing the Internet on a computer; however, it makes parental supervision significantly more difficult. Predators can move psychologically closer to their victims, contacting them by cell phone. Cyberbullies will use repeated and frequent calls and text messages to their victim's cell phone. Text messaging is very popular with teenagers.

Another danger that may be less obvious is the use of a cell phone while driving, especially for the inexperienced teen driver. With less driving experience, reaction time is further reduced which can put the teen at greater risk when driving. This includes the use of a hands free headset as well as traditional use.

Resources:

The ChildNet site http://www.kidsmart.org.uk/mobiles/