I think it is natural to have a desire to talk when the children are away from each other. I do feel that the seperated time is very important though in developing ones self being and worth. I do think that children and teens have way to much access with no restrictions to cell phones. I think Sextexting is a perfect example for the over freedom too soon with out the understanding of the long run effects of their openness with each other.
As a parent a pay as you go phone is a nice thing for safety but a phone with a build in camera and video recording can be dangerous for those who do not understand the consequence of their actions. A case off too much too soon and not enough wisdom yet.
So parent remove the text options punch out the camera lens and let them pay for their air time and you can kick in 5 bucks so that it si a safety [hone not a freeway of information unedited and uncensored for those who would abuse the freedom.
Nothing like hooking a kid are porn as fast as possible while they star in it.
I have a cell phone and I have made sure all my kids have cell phones. We have unlimited text but I do not give them unlimited air time. I do not allow video text so They can not send and receive those type of messages. They can send pictures. They also know that their phones are subject to inspection at least once a week. SO if they are getting some of this type of messeging they are not keeping it. My eldest who is 18 does not get her phone inspected anymore. That is one of the nice things about being an adult.
I think if we had more parents like you cell phones would become a non issue. I admit you have given me many great ideas for when my boys get to that age where we will be handing them items like this. Nice to have good role models here.
Any tool can be used for bad but it is really the parents who need to ensure they are used correctly not the governments.
I try to be a good parent but at times in this day of age with all the technology that is coming out it is harder and harder to do. We have given each child a laptop comupter to use too. It is the cell phones that is the most dangerous I think. Paying close attention to what numbers they are calling or texting can help a parent control what is being communicated and with whom.
Yes, they're addicted so are some of the parents as well walking with two or three phones. When my kids reach the point of having a phone, they will have the type that cannot send pics or videos. As I teacher, I was tired to see kids sending pictures of themselves and others (naked). I am not taking that chance.