Cuttings

Are mobile phones addictive?

Ever string two empty tins together and try and talk with your little friend from next door? If you did you are probably (a) a bloke and, (b) suffered from low esteem. Children are rejecting hobbies and other activities and becoming dependent on mobile phones. This is according to Childalert, an advice service for parents. According to a spokesperson, 'getting a phone call or a text message implies an importance - 'someone wants me' - and it boosts the receiver's self esteem and self worth'. They estimate that text messaging by children increased by 1,400 per cent in 2000 and that the UK spend on texting was more than a £1 billion annually. Peer pressure and the ease of availability had more to do with children owning mobiles than safety. Each month there are 1.67 billion text messages sent in the UK: pull the string twice when you are receiving me.