It has become almost a cliche that "today's teens" spend all their time on their cell phones, texting and posting online. They live their lives online, and their smartphones are the conduit.
A new Pew study called Teens and Technology 2013 finds the cliche to be true.
According to the study, "One in four teens are 'cell-mostly' Internet users, who say they mostly go online using their phone and not using some other device such as a desktop or laptop computer."
Also:
- 78% of teens now have a cell phone, and almost half (47%) of those own smartphones. That translates into 37% of all teens who have smartphones, up from just 23% in 2011.
- One in four teens (23%) have a tablet computer, a level comparable to the general adult population.
- Nine in ten (93%) teens have a computer or have access to one at home. Seven in ten (71%) teens with home computer access say the laptop or desktop they use most often is one they share with other family members.
What's your take? Do your kids live on their cellphones? Does it concern you? How do you limit their time? Or do you? Add your thoughts in the comments section.
