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Studies on Texting as a Possible Health Risk for Teens

Researchers are beginning to ask about the potential health ramifications of teen texting. Since 2010, two important studies have given researchers an idea about the increase in teen texting and the potential link to high-risk behavior, such as drinking, smoking, using drugs and having multiple sex partners. While the information is still new, these two studies demonstrate an increased need for study concerning for teen texting.

  1. Case Western Reserve School of Medicine

    • In November of 2010, researchers from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine released the results of its survey study, on the effects of hyper-texting on teenagers, at an annual American Public Health Association meeting. For their study, they defined hyper-texting as anyone who sends more than 120 texts during an average day. As part of their study, the researches from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine sent out more than 4,200 anonymous surveys to students in 20 public schools around the Cleveland area. Researchers designed their study to investigate any correlation between excessive texting and any increase in student's willingness to participate in high-risk activities.

    Case Western's Findings

    • Case Western's study discovered that, among the students they surveyed, hyper-texting students were 40 percent more likely to have tried smoking, 43 percent more like to binge-drink and 41 percent more likely to use drugs. Students were also 55 percent more likely to get into fights, 350 percent more likely to have sex and 90 percent more likely to have a history with four or more sex partners. Researchers suggest that parents strongly moderate their children's use of texting as a means of communication.

    Pew Internet

    • In April of 2010, researchers from Pew Internet and the American Life Project released the results of their study that focused on the frequency that teenagers use texting as a form of communication. Their anonymous survey included 800 randomly selected students who were polled in 2009 between the months of June and September. Their study focuses on the amount of time that teenagers spend using social media sites, cell phones and texting. They also divided their research by age, providing information on the way teens increase their use of these technologies from year to year.

    Pew Internet's Findings

    • Pew Internet's study revealed that, among the students they surveyed, the average number of teenagers who send and receive more than 100 texts in an average day is one in three. Their research also shows that from the age of 12 until 17, teens use texting more each year, with the highest average at age 17. Their research also showed that girls are more likely to send texts, 80 a day on average for girls and only 30 a day on average for boys.

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