The News and Tribune - LETTERS: Feb. 5, 2008

Sat, Nov 22 2008

Published: February 05, 2008 09:51 am

LETTERS: Feb. 5, 2008

Remind teens about safe cell phone use

The month of February gives us two good opportunities for parents to talk with children about healthy relationships: National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week, beginning Feb. 4, and this upcoming Valentine’s Day. With more and more teens using cell phones, it’s also time to include phone safety in our discussions.

We all know that wireless phones allow us to stay in touch with friends and family, whether someone needs a ride home from practice or wants to visit the mall. But having a cell phone also comes with responsibility, especially for our kids, because that same phone that helps us stay connected might also be used in damaging ways when it comes to unhealthy relationships.

Excessive calling or texting could be early signs of abuse in a relationship. In fact, a survey done last year found that one in three teens who have been in a relationship said their partner had text messaged them up to 30 times per hour to find out where they are, what they’re doing, or who they’re with.

Understanding these signs, and letting kids know that it’s okay not to answer the phone or respond to harassing messages, is a good start in preventing abuse before it escalates. Remind kids that cell phone numbers are private and not found in any directory, and they should be careful to whom they give their number.

Whether a child is in an abusive relationship or is experiencing it at home, what we know is domestic violence can affect behavior and performance at school or work. Through our company’s HopeLine program, Verizon Wireless collects no-longer-used wireless phones and puts them the hands of people who are experiencing abuse—to help them feel safe and to help them break the cycle of violence.

During February and every month, it’s important to make kids aware that cell phones are powerful tools that we rely on to stay in touch with those we love, but they should always be used wisely.

— Greg Haller, President of Indiana/Kentucky/Michigan Region of Verizon Wireless

Reader supports Annex and shelter— Nancy Dotson, New Albany

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