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Technology Has Taken On New Meaning Since Attacks
POSTED: 1:43 p.m. EST November 1, 2001
CLEVELAND -- In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, cell phones sales are up, especially for families with children.
In Thursday's Connecting With Kids, NewsChannel5's Tonya Strong reports on the increased need to stay connected.
Since the terrorist attacks, technology has taken on new meaning. Cell phones are no longer just phones, but rather, a lifeline.
Eimani Morris, 15, likes to stay connected, and he keeps the numbers of all of his friends and family members programmed on his cell phone.
"If I'm in a spot or a jam, my mom will be there," he said. "And if I have a cell phone, I can ring my mom up at the drop of a dime."
"That's a parent's worst fear -- something's going on and we don't know where our kids are," said Myoshi Morris, Eimani's mother.
Parents who once said "no" to their children about having a cell phone are changing their minds.
In fact, some retailers said that sales of teen and family cell phone plans are up as much as 20 percent in just the last few weeks.
"It's a very important tool for her and me as well," Myoshi said.
Cell phones may provide a safe haven, but experts said that parents should be sure to give one out of love and care -- not fear.
"The child looks to the parent for safety, particularly the younger they are, and if the parent doesn't feel safe themselves, if they are just so nervous, then the child will realize this world is not safe," psychologist Dr. Allen Carter said.
Carter said that a cell phone doesn't replace common sense. If you wouldn't ordinarily let your child go someplace or stay out late, don't change those rules just because they now have a phone.
"Don't put the power in the instrument," Carter said. "The power is in you, and the power is in the family. The power is in the communication system of the family -- that's where it is -- and that will give you safety."
Experts said that by the year 2005, nearly 70 percent of teens are expected to own a cell phone.
Check out NewsNet5's Connecting With Kids page for more information and helpful tips.
In Thursday's Connecting With Kids, NewsChannel5's Tonya Strong reports on the increased need to stay connected.
Since the terrorist attacks, technology has taken on new meaning. Cell phones are no longer just phones, but rather, a lifeline.
Eimani Morris, 15, likes to stay connected, and he keeps the numbers of all of his friends and family members programmed on his cell phone.
"If I'm in a spot or a jam, my mom will be there," he said. "And if I have a cell phone, I can ring my mom up at the drop of a dime."
"That's a parent's worst fear -- something's going on and we don't know where our kids are," said Myoshi Morris, Eimani's mother.
Parents who once said "no" to their children about having a cell phone are changing their minds.
In fact, some retailers said that sales of teen and family cell phone plans are up as much as 20 percent in just the last few weeks.
"It's a very important tool for her and me as well," Myoshi said.
Cell phones may provide a safe haven, but experts said that parents should be sure to give one out of love and care -- not fear.
"The child looks to the parent for safety, particularly the younger they are, and if the parent doesn't feel safe themselves, if they are just so nervous, then the child will realize this world is not safe," psychologist Dr. Allen Carter said.
Carter said that a cell phone doesn't replace common sense. If you wouldn't ordinarily let your child go someplace or stay out late, don't change those rules just because they now have a phone.
"Don't put the power in the instrument," Carter said. "The power is in you, and the power is in the family. The power is in the communication system of the family -- that's where it is -- and that will give you safety."
Experts said that by the year 2005, nearly 70 percent of teens are expected to own a cell phone.
Check out NewsNet5's Connecting With Kids page for more information and helpful tips.
Copyright 2002 by NewsNet5. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
