Text Trouble Cell phone calling plans that allow users to send unlimited text messages are popular with teens across the United States. In 2008, an average American teen sent 2,272 text messages each month. That ’s nearly 80 messages a day, although many teens commonly send hundreds of messages per day. So, what could be wrong with a plan that allows you to send as many messages as you want every day of the week? It turns out that there are real health risks. The physical action of typing and sending many text messages could injure your thumbs. When you perform the same action many times, you can get something called a repetitive stress injury, which causes painful muscle cramps. Doctors believe the damage is temporary and can heal if the action is stopped. Sending and receiving text messages can also lead to psychological strain. Constant texting can interfere with sleep and create stress. Ringtones or vibrations can break one ’s concentration and contribute to feeling restless or anxious, which can also affect sleep. In addition, many teens respond to text messages late at night, often from bed. Staying up to wait for a message from a friend or being awakened by a ring or buzz can reduce the amount and quality of sleep. While text messaging can help some teens stay in touch with their parents, the convenience of texting may make it difficult for some adolescents to become more independent. Instead of learning to make their own decisions, some teens text their parents dozens of times each day. They become so dependent on a constant electronic connection that they don ’t learn the thinking skills they will need later in life.