I knew that would be an unpopular post, but I'm sticking by it!
The fact that you are justifying the cell phone because 1) your kid is getting out of a function in a sketchy area early (why are they in that neighborhood? ) and you don't want them getting a ride home from a known underage drunk (but you let them hang out w/ said underage drunks WTF?)2) can't find a landline phone 3) so they can get music and internet - I know I'm slow on the tech, but what is a computer or Ipod for?
No, I didn't spend hours on the phone as a teen - I'd call and make arrangements so I could hang out w/ my friends and talk to them in person AND so I didn't have a conversation where my parents could overhear (talk about unsexy). Apparently I'm a technology Neanderthal since I'd rather interact w/ people than text them. :roll:
I'm not criticizing cell phones, I'm criticizing that we have lost sight of our vales, rules, and manners because of cell phones. I've spend weeks where my closest contact w/ civilization was an emergency radio beacon that would MAYBE attract attention w/in 24 hours and I'm still posting.
I am SO frustrated that we let an electronic chirp and supposed convenience make our life so very inconvenient and full of noise pollution!
I didn't intend to put you on the defensive, just stating how I feel as a parent of a teenager and thankful for the dependability of the cell phone.
1.) sketchy area/neighborhood: He has to go into the inner city or suburbs that aren't always upscale or safe, and there are many. (He's involved in music and even his youth symphony, in broad daylight on Sat. mornings, is not in the best area of the city by any means. Sometimes they are released early from their 4 hour rehearsals. We don't always sit right there for 4 hours.) And this is just ONE example of several similar situations. Hes not just at school or at home.
2.) Scooter, we don't let him hangout with underage drunks (I don't think I said
he hangs our with kids that are known drinkers.) In a high school with over 2,000 students, (our high school district alone has over 14,000 kids just in our suburb), there are some that drink and drive. Unfortunately, it happens a lot. It's nice to know that he can call us if he suspects someone has been drinking somewhere, even before they arrive at different functions. We've always told him to call us if he feels he needs a ride. Again, there's not always a phone near. And he has called us several times. (he does not have a car.)I can try to understand your frustration in this electronic age. You have every right to feel as you do.
But I do see it as a helpful and wonderful invention! 
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a lot can happen in 7 minutes!
a lot can happen in 7 seconds with 2 bundles of testosterone and hormones, together in the dark!
