According to current statistics, 97% of Americans have a cell phone,and more than half of children ages of 11 and up also do. Eighty-four percent of teens own cell phones. Of course, cell phone usage by children and teens has not been without issues in classrooms across America. These electronic devices have facilitated the passing of notes and cheat sheets and have been a constant source of distraction from learning. At lunchtime, teens, in particular, are huddled around tables roaming through their screens. Though not limited to teens, even adults are addicted to scrolling. When I board an airplane, every seated passenger is gazing down at a screen. Some lament that cell phones have shut down personal, face-to-face communication. Instead of asking someone out, a text is sent. To avoid personal confrontation, it’s just easier to text: BTW, I want a divorce. As a former English teacher, I could also rue the creation of cell speak, as a corrupter of language. However, I’m rather fond of the short cuts, like TY, OMG, and LMAO!

For me, the cursed consequence of the cell phone occurs when I lose it or I leave it at home when I go somewhere. Why? Because I Do NOT know anybody’s phone number! I did not have a cell phone until I was over 40. Not because I couldn’t afford one, but because they weren’t available to the masses! Thus, I had to dial or punch in numbers of those I was calling, many of which were etched in my memory. With the advent of the cell phone, which conveniently held my directory of contacts, it was unnecessary to memorize phone numbers.

You can imagine my angst when I flew to North Carolina a few months ago and left my cell phone on my kitchen island. I had no way to contact my kids that I had arrived and was awaiting pick-up. Of course, I could have asked a random stranger to borrow his/her phone, but… I did NOT know my own kid’s phone number! Tragic. Since life occasionally throws me curve balls and since I no longer memorize phone numbers, I’ve made lists of important numbers for my wallet and for my car. The next time I leave home without my phone, I’ll be prepared!

NOTE TO FRIENDS: Perhaps, you need to heed my advice.