FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Danielle Tiano
Phone: (949) 295-6881
Email: misswords@beyondyourwords.com

May 12, 2008

New Children's Book Helps Parents Talk to Kids about Cell Phone Dangers:

"A Generation Lost in Translation"

NEWPORT BEACH, CA –How did cell-phone texting and picture taking turn into pending criminal charges? How can images of your child end up on the Internet for the world to see? Could this happen to your child?

Cell phones are the preferred mode of communication for children and teens today and most of them never leave a child’s sight. A research study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that one-third of children ages 10 to 12 own a cell phone, and one marketing research firm recently estimated that 54 percent of 8-to-12-year olds would own cell phones by 2009 (The Washington Post, April 11, 2008).

“Today’s parents want to know where their child is at all times, which serves as the excuse to buy their child a phone,” says Karen Child Ogden, marriage and family therapist and contributor to the book A Generation Lost in Translation. “While many parents feel safe that they can communicate with their child at any time, many are also unaware of the dangerous capabilities of most phones. Parents don’t think of the risk a cell phone poses to a child. Often times parents are sold a false sense of security.”

Most cell phones are equipped with Internet and camera capabilities, leaving children who are naturally curious, open to accessing inappropriate material. Children may also receive unsolicited and inappropriate photos or text messages, and most kids don’t tell their parents for fear that their phone will be taken away.

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“Parents first need to think about necessity when considering a cell phone for their child. Peer acceptance should NOT be the reason a child receives a phone. The safest phones are the most basic ones with no Internet or camera capabilities. Parents should explain to their child that the phone is not theirs to own, but to use and will be checked often for inappropriate material and communication from unknown people.”

Similar problems with cell phones include cheating and cyber-bullying. “Teachers have reported growing trends such as texting during class or using cell phones to cheat in school. They text one another the answers to tests or search the web on their phone for answers,” says Danielle Tiano, author of A Generation Lost in Translation. “Kids are using their phones to send threatening messages to intimidate others. Bullying with a cell phone, while less personal, is no less wrong, says Tiano. Having a cell phone should include taking personal responsibility for its use.”