The effect of Cell Phones on Overparenting

I agree with the author’s statement that cell phones are an essential tool for “overparenting.” A few weeks before my sister went off to college, nearly a month before me, I realized my mom was buying an unlimited text messaging and minutes plan. I inquired as to her justifications for spending the extra money, “Mom you don’t even know how to text,” I said in frustration.  But once my sister was all moved into college, I realized why my mom had purchased the more extensive plan: she was texting my twin sister while we in the car even before we left the school parking lot. I realized that my mom was worried about my sister and used her cell phone to constantly check up on her. I told my mom that the only way for my sister to develop a sense of independence was to turn off the cell phone. Parents simply can’t make all life’s little problems go away with one touch dialing. Without such large access and the decreasing cost of cell phone plans, overparenting would cease as soon as the kid left the confines of their home.  Overparenting can occur so easily now with cell phones because parents can call or text their kids and get updates every hour of the day. “I’m in class,” is no longer an excuse for not responding to a parent’s question. It seems a bit ridiculous and I think we will see more and more students willingly turn off their cell phones during class.