Cellphones: a Dangerous Distraction

785 Words4 Pages
The mainstreaming of the cell phone has made it possible to be in contact with the family at all times. Whether Dad needs to let the family know that he is running late due to heavy traffic, or Mom forgot to jot down the grocery list before leaving for the supermarket, the solution is just a phone call away. Breaking down on the side of the road is less distressful when help can be contacted quickly thanks to the cell phone in the car. The smart phone lets the consumer compare prices on the internet while at the store to ensure they are getting the best deal before they make that high dollar purchase. At first glance it seems it would be equally as beneficial for adolescents to have a cell phone to help parents stay in contact and keep track of them, but with a closer look at the negative effects that a cell phone can cause to a teen’s health, behavior, and education, it becomes clear that the possible detriments far outweigh any conveniences that a cell phone may offer. The most obvious threats that come along with cell phone use are the physical risks. Young adults feel they are impervious to danger and take chances with texting and driving. In Amy Novotney’s Dangerous Distraction, she discusses some of the various studies done on the effects of using a cell phone while driving. These studies show how conversing uses different cognitive skills than other activities and takes up a human brain’s “bandwidth” (Novotney). She also makes another valid point that “Most people would not think of getting in a car with someone who has been drinking, but they do not have a problem getting in to a car with someone who is using their cell phone” (Novotney). The rising number of cell phone related auto accidents shows that this is a dangerous problem, yet many teens feel they can use their phones without it affecting their driving. Cell phone
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