I really don't think I'm the only parent thinking this. But, after over hearing a conversation between two young adults, I'm beginning to think, even more than ever, that smart phones, with all their connectivity, has produced more drama, stress, and angst than what we had with just our home phones, high school lunches, and local after-school-gathering places.

The ability to instantly communicate thoughts, feelings, and emotions...regardless of time of day...has removed the opportunity to reflect on what you want to say. Once sent, words cannot be undone.

There are parents who allow their children to have cell phones early. There are parents who hold off until 16, 18, or even graduation from high school. Who's right?

We let our children have cell phones, with service, sometime around late middle school. Part of the problem involves the need for internet access at school (which the school doesn't always provide for the student), as well as for a safety net, give all the school violence our country is enduring.

I'm not suggesting I have any kind of solution. Maybe some thoughts of how I could have done mobile access differently for my kids, but nothing concrete,

Thoughts?