Just to show how sad it is getting with cellphones… at a shiur I was at, someone in front of me was texting to a friend. If it was an emergancy, then do it low-near-your-lap. But this person was texting high so that the Rav was able to see what was happening! Oh, and I was able to see what she texted… nothing in the emergancy-type of nature.
Another time I was listening to two students talking…”If i was unable to text, i would have no idea what to do during class!”
If you allow your children to text, then realize that it will be done during class and at other inappropriate times. A cell phone may be necessary if they have to walk a long way home from school or drive home! It is dangerous to not let them have it- just take off texting. I know ATAT allows you to ask to take all internet and texting functions off cells, so that way you get cheap plans and free mobile to mobile, but without these issues. (and maybe other companies, I just know for sure ATAT- you need to ask special for it and explain you are doing it to stop high text bills…)