Skip to main content

Today's Poll: Should teens have unsupervised access to smart phones/computers?

By Howard B. Owens
Doug Yeomans

Yes 20.71% (41 votes) <--- Age group voting - 13 to 17
No 79.29% (157 votes) <--- Age group voting - "smart" parents with teenaged children

Aug 29, 2012, 9:37am Permalink
Doug Yeomans

I build and fix computers for family and friends and have for over 10 years. I've had to unlock computers for mom's and dad's when their "teenagers" wouldn't reveal their passwords. It always seemed to be girls with the secrets and locked accounts. The boys just had the usual "stuff" on theirs so they never even bothered to lock down their user accounts. Teenaged girls are not always the innocent little angels that their parents think they are. Ever see a pet cage large enough for a Mastiff dog? Well, it's the perfect size for a teenaged girl.

Aug 29, 2012, 11:15am Permalink
Tim Miller

Add the option "It's up to the parents (who are ultimately responsible for their kid's actions)".

I've known very responsible kids who've had basic cell phones then smart phones from a very young age, never abusing their use (or at least being clever enough to not get caught). This includes NOT driving while talking on the phone (illegal in NC for kids under 18) nor texting while driving (illegal period in NC).

Sadly, I've also seen kids driving away from the high school across the street from my house yakking away on the phone.

This is one of those things where a hard and fast rule cannot, or at least SHOULD not, be made.

Aug 29, 2012, 11:15am Permalink
John Woodworth JR

I am okay for my teens to have cell phones. However, when you add smart phones you are asking for trouble. If, you ask me, there is no good reason a child needs a smart phone or data plan for their cell phone. Schools and homes have computers if, they need to look up something. Parents that allow smart phones for their young child or teen are opening up a dangerous path for their child. Yes, you can lock out certain websites but, today's technology they seem to find a way to bypass security blocks. Now you have keypads which use both hands and like Tim stated above. Hands off driving with alot of teenage drivers and I view mostly young girls driving while texting.I think parents allow smart phones to make themselve, A. look like a cool parent, B. to make their child look cool and/or C. to show off their status. Now that Apple has won their lawsuit, all these touch phones are going to disappear and Apple will hold the market.

Aug 29, 2012, 6:08pm Permalink

Authentically Local