According to the Pew Research Center at Harvard University, "78% of teenagers now own a cell phone and almost half (47%) of them own a smartphone" (Pew Research) . There is no doubt that the number of American teenagers who own cell phones is increasing as technology continually advances in today's society. So many developments in cell phone technology explain why teenagers want the latest cell phone on the market. Parents of teenagers need to decide whether or not their teenager should own the newest phone. Surprisingly, these small portable phones have created a controversy among many American parents and pediatricians. Some believe that teenagers should have a cell phone to provide security and assurance to teenagers and their parents. While many argue that cell phones are not beneficial for teenagers and that one must wait until adulthood to own one. Although some parents argue that cell phones provide safety for teenagers, teenagers should not own cell phones due to the various medical and social problems related to cell phone ownership by teenagers. Cell phones are the cause of many problems and social problems among American teenagers. Teens are starting to rely on cell phones to communicate with others. Instead of having verbal conversations, teens have gotten into the habit of gaining confidence just by talking on their cell phones. Nini Halkett, a Los Angeles high school teacher for more than two decades, says teens have the courage to ask for deadline extensions or help over the computer but rarely talk to teachers face-to-face. Teens who can't communicate without technology concern her in terms of their ability to interact with people, especially in the middle of paper......webmd.com/features/children-and-cellphones>.Holladay, Jennifer . Greater access to electronic media encourages cyberbullying. Opposing points of view in context. Greenhaven, 2012. Web. 15 December 2013. .Kefely, Sofya. Personal interview. December 23, 2013.Pew Research Center, ed. Teens and Technology 2013. Washington DC: Pew Research Center's Internet and American Life Project, 2013. Print.Steyer, James. “Why the media could be harmful to your child's health.” Interview by Gilbert Cruz. TIME 4 December 2008: n. page Press.