A new fad has come to society that replaces face-to-face conversations, notes passed between students in class, and board games. What tool could achieve all of these purposes while being able to fit into small compartments? The answer: a cell phone.

Cell phones are all the rage now and can be seen in approximately half of any given high school's population. Although the miniscule objects are banned from classroom usage, an average of two students in any class will be "texting" to friends, family, etc.

"They're annoying because people depend on them too much, especially student texting in class," said student teacher, Janae Hollenback.

According to statistics from the Inter-national Data Group, 40 percent of 15-19- year-olds have cell phones. That number is based only on cell phones that are paid for by teenagers and not their parents or family plans.

The substantial complaint aimed at cell phones comes from overuse and etiquette. A movie theater in Kaysville even has a small commercial called "Inconsiderate cell phone man" showing how obnoxious ringing cell phones are during a movie.

Teachers at high schools, where cell phones see a lot of usage hidden under tables for texting, have a complaint.

"Our society has reached the point where they (cell phones) are indispensible, but I think we need to learn to use proper etiquette in social gatherings," said Kent Hyer, debate teacher at Northridge High School. "(People should be) putting them on vibrate or setting the phones towards voice mail during lectures or movies."

Catherine Kenyeres' article, "Cell Phone Etiquette: The Dos and Don'ts," gives excellent advice about what to do when a cell phone rings while around: 1) friends, 2) on a date, 3) in a restaurant, and 4) at the movies. (See "Cell Phone Etiquette 1010," below.)

Teenagers, who are getting all the blame for overuse of cell phones, have a different opinion.

"I think it's kind of crazy to see elementary students have them, but in high school, you do need them," said sophomore Chris Barton.

"Cell phones help when in an emergency or trying to get a hold of a friend, but when they're used for boredom or when driving, then they become a problem," said Tyler Brown a high school graduate.

What is the verdict on cell phones? Are they being used too much? Do they inspire rude behavior? Do they help?

No matter what cell phones are, nothing is going to change the plethora of usage.

Besides, anything that combines games, music, communication, and note taking into one little electronic device is not likely to be ignored by the masses. Cell phones are here to stay.