This week the Nielsen Company released study findings that are useful if you’re the parent of a tween (ages 8 – 12):
  The report estimates that:
   * 35% of tweens own a mobile phone.
   * 20% of tweens have used text messaging.
   * 21% of tweens have used ring & answer tones.

I like seeing statistics like this because I’m anticipating my soon-to-be-middle-schooler will ask for a phone before long. Contrary to what he will tell me, 35% is still quite a minority (though I’m sure the percentage rises as the age approaches 12). And when your friends don’t have phones, who are you going to call, Mom? Appealing to me, maybe. But to him, not so much.