The Latest Teen Obsession: Are you a Cell Phone Junkie?

are you panic if you realize that you forgot your cell phone at home? are you moody and frustrated if you can't check your messages during dinner or a family outing? you may have a cell phone addiction.. !

With more than 225 million people carrying cell phones in the U.S. in 2007, up from 34 million in 2005, and nearly two-thirds (63%) of teens owning their own cell phone, many parents have noticed obsessive behaviors in their teens, often so extreme they resemble addiction. Most teens spend an average of one hour a day on their cell phones. Add in the extra time they spend e-mailing, IMing, talking in person, or communicating through MySpace or Facebook, and it's not surprising so many children are getting hooked on their high-tech gadgets.

Know the Warning Signs
Despite a number of maladaptive behaviors associated with teen cell phone use, most experts agree that this obsession doesn't qualify as a genuine addiction or mental disorder - at least not yet. Others argue that anything can become an addiction if a person becomes dependent to the detriment of other areas of their lives. Based on the sheer number of people affected, many believe cell phone addiction is well on its way to being classified as a disease similar to drug addiction, alcoholism, or gambling.

The symptoms of cell phone addiction are similar to the symptoms of other types of addictions, and may include the following:

• Feeling restless or uncomfortable when not using a cell phone;
• Having irrational reactions to being without a phone if it is lost or forgotten;
• Substantial increases in the amount of time spent talking on a cell phone;
• Mounting cell phone bills that cause financial distress;
• Problems at school and work from constant cell phone use;
• Interpersonal problems from constant cell phone use; or
• Taking unnecessary risks such as using a cell phone during inappropriate times (driving, etc.).

While some experts recommend waiting to buy children cell phones until 16 years of age, others advise parents to simply stay alert to teens using cell phones to avoid personal issues, schoolwork, or spending time with the family. If cell phones are having a negative impact on any area of a child's life, it's up to parents to set and enforce limits and seek help when necessary..

You can make affirmative steps to prevent cell phone addiction!