Teens are using their cell phones in very creative ways.  Instead of passing notes in class, they sometimes send text messages.  In addition to text messaging, teens can also access the Internet and download pictures, videos, and music with their cell phones.  It’s an instant source of information, from finding out about the latest parties to contacting the closest drug dealer. They can also receive messages from anyone, friend or not, as long as the other person has the cell phone number.  This can include spammers, scammers, identity thieves, online predators, and cyberbullies. 

Teens can also be alerted to a text in very discrete ways, either by downloading a ring tone that is out of pitch range of most adults [See Associated Press news article ] or by putting their phones on vibrate.  Newer cell phones enable teens to capture the moment with photos, ring tones or short video clips – a fun and mostly harmless feature – except when inappropriate images are captured and shared for all to see. 

Some teens have even gone as far as creating a ring of contacts through text messaging to make and alert friends of where parties with alcohol and drugs are being held.