Cellular telephones and electronic communication patterns among families in metropolitan New York.

OBJECTIVE The authors gathered survey data regarding the use of cellular telephones among families who reside in the New York metropolitan area and whose children receive medical care in a hospital-affiliated general pediatrics clinic. METHODS Two investigators distributed a 34-question, self-administered survey in pencil-and-paper format to pediatric patients and the adults who accompanied them in the waiting room of a hospital-affiliated, outpatient pediatric practice in Mineola, New York. RESULTS Completed surveys were obtained from 35 families. Twenty-eight (80%) of the 35 families completing surveys reported that at least one family member owned and used a cellular telephone. Of these 28 families, 9 (32%) reported that at least one household member aged to 18 years owned and used a cellular telephone. The mean age at which children obtained their first cellular telephone was 15.3 years. The primary reason these respondents cited for providing children with cellular telephones was safety (75%). CONCLUSION The authors conclude that cellular telephone use is widespread among families in the New York metropolitan area. Although the primary reason families provide for obtaining cellular telephones is safety, convenience to household members and peer pressure also play roles.