Cell Phone Safety

Teens Write About Cell Phone Safety

Sharing improper photos or messages via cell phone may seem harmless. But "sexting" is illegal and can impact your reputation and your future

OMG: DWT (Driving While Texting)!
By Bria F. - Keystoner

(Editor's note: As part of our media safety section, we asked several Keystoners to write about cell phone safety topics including "sexting." Here are their stories.)

The light turns green and you just got a text message -- it’s your BFF and the gossip buzz is really going! What do you do? If you must immediately check the text, then pull over! DRIVING WHILE TEXTING KILLS!

The dangers of texting behind the wheel are NO JOKE! Yet teenagers think it’s another game of multitasking. According to a recent survey, 46% of 16- and 17-year-olds admits to text messaging while driving. Lawmakers do not see it as a joke either. Nationally lawmakers are looking to pass laws against texting when driving due to many recent accidents. So that game of multitasking could land you a V.I.P. spot -- in a jail cell!

My fellow teens, we have enough distractions when we’re on the road. We have to jam the latest hit and it’s a must to look fly while doing it. Now do we really want to add texting to that equation?

So, before you check to see if it’s your boo or BFF, pull over and out of traffic to safely text! You could save your family and friends from a whole lot of heartache and pain, not to mention someone’s life!

Cell Phones Are Great But Be Aware of Risks!
Dayanara D. - Keystoner

There are many reasons why people should be careful with cell phones. The first reason is that many get theirs stolen, and someone else can use it, stealing important information like bank numbers as well. Never send personal info to people you don't know or trust. You shouldn't share personal pictures with strangers because you never know who is going to see them.

Another reason to be careful with your phone is you never know who you are talking to when it comes to stangers. You can meet a stranger through a chat line and you never know if they are a sexual offender or rapist -- even if they are good looking and seem friendly. Your number shouldn't be shared with just anyone!

But you know there are just as many reasons to have a cell phone. If you ever get lost or are in an accident, you can call or text your friends or family immediately! And having a phone can be cheaper than paying several dollars for a single call.

But be aware of cell phone safety. It can save you a lot of trouble!

My Two Tales Dealing With
Cell Phone Safety
Hoang N. - Keystoner

Cell phones are a good device to have if we use it properly. But it can be a double-edged sword because people use cell phones to abuse others, send pictures with sexual content or harassing others.

Here are two tales of cell phone use, one good and one not so good:

One time when I was walking home alone after doing my community service at the Boys & Girls Club, I felt like someone was behind me. So I called my mom and asked her to talk to me until I reached home. I was so grateful that I had my phone at the time or something could have happened to me.

The other times shows a cell phone can potentially do damage to you. My friend Marline once received a call from an unknown caller and since she didn’t know who it was, she didn’t pick it up. Later she got a voice mail and a male voice says "You better watch out because I’m going after you." She got scared and deleted the voice mail. As the day went on, he sent her messages of her going to classes, hanging out with friends, and when she was walking home alone.

It went on for two weeks until she decided to tell her parents and the police got involved. Later they found out he was a stalker who had just gotten out of jail. Marline was so scared that she doesn’t often come out of her house alone anymore.

Having a cell phone can have side affects. Be aware and be safe.

Be Sure Your Cell Phone is Used
for the Right Purpose
Jazmine D. - Keystoner

Many things can happen with cell phones and not all of them are good. For instance, many schools ban cell phones during school hours because teens can use them to cheat off tests and quizzes, doing unimportant stuff when they should be doing school work or other reasons.

Cell phones are a major problem for teens also because they think they have to share everything that comes to mind! Teens need to think before they send unwanted pictures to everyone in their phone book! Cell phones can be used for good and bad -- so be careful.

More Resources

4netsafety.com: Sprint website offers online safety guidance for young people and adults.
bnetsavvy.org: Tools, tip, links and resources to keep you safe and savvy online.
nsteens.org: Comics and videos explore online hazards.