San Francisco - Nearly half of U.S. "tweens" (ages 8-12), or about 20 million young consumers, are using cell phones, according to a report from Nielsen Mobile.

The report found that, on average, kids received their cell phones between the ages of 10 and 11, and the top reason cited was parents' wanting to be connected in the event of an emergency.

The vast majority (92%) of parents said they restrict how tweens use their phones, with 68% saying they prohibit downloads of content like ringtones and games, which incur charges.

Still, 55% of tweens who own a cell phone said they send text messages, and 21% download ringtones.

Sixty-five percent of tweens with cell phones are on family service plans.

"Tweens have grown up with mobile phones and expect them to do much more than make a call," said Richard Wood, vice president of consumer insights Nielsen Mobile.

"Our clients want to understand tweens' attitudes and mobile behavior in the context of their daily life and media consumption."

Related Links:
http://www.nielsenmobile.com/html/press%20releases/MobileKids.html