Why Teens Want Wireless.

Camera phones are one of the top gift picks among US teenagers this holiday season, ranking second to MP3 players and rising two places up from fourth place in 2003.

According to a recent Cingular report, 32% of teens between the ages of 13 and 17 say the reason they want a mobile phone as a gift is so that they can stay in touch with family and friends. This total compares with 46% who cited the family and friends reason last year. In fact, the number of young people who say they want a wireless phone for emergency reasons also declined between 2004 and 2003 — from 23% last year to just 10% this year.

The reasons for wanting a mobile phone this year? More teens say they want one “just because” and for the convenience factor compared to last year.

Teenagers’ reasons for wanting a mobile phone have certainly fluctuated over time. When Cingular commissioned International Communications Research to survey teens in 2001, it found a mere 3% of respondents said they wanted a mobile phone for safety reasons. By 2003, that total rose up to 7%, but by 2004, it was back down to 2%. A similar pattern is seen in the number of respondents who want wireless phones for emergency purposes and those who want them to stay in touch with family and friends.

Wireless much more than just talking, so it may be no wonder that more of today’s teens want wireless phones for reasons other than emergencies and for safety.

To view charts CLICK above on ‘More Images’.