A 2010 study by the Pew Research Center and the University of Michigan highlights the rising trend of texting among American teens, who rely on mobile phones as a primary communication tool. The research involved surveys of 800 teenagers and focus groups in four cities conducted in 2009. It notes that teens who bear the cost of their phone usage tend to engage more with their devices.

1. Teens & Mobile Phones: Texting rises sharply as mobile phones become the communication hub for American teens Amanda Lenhart, Rich Ling & Scott Campbell FTC Brownbag May 2010 Washington, DC

2. Methods 800 teens ages 12 to 17 and a parent or guardian were contacted by landline or cellular telephone in a nationally representative rdd survey conducted from June to September 2009. 9 focus groups in four cities with middle and high school aged teens (ages 12-18) conducted in June and October 2009 Joint project of the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project and the University of Michigan.

18. Teens who pay for phone costs are more likely to do more with cell phone

24. Thanks! Amanda Lenhart http://www.pewinternet.org Twitter: @amanda_lenhart