Cellular phones have become a small, convenient and, for many, an inexpensive way to communicate. They also have evolved into playful gadgets that can take photos, access games, send messages and sport ear-catching ring tones.

These features make them attractive to younger and younger consumers. According to the Yankee Group, a Boston-based communications and technology research firm, 56 percent of 13- to 17-year-olds in the United States own cell phones today. That compares with just 5 percent in 2000.

Those figures ring true for four Indianapolis middle-schoolers, who estimate at least half of the students at their schools have cell phones.

Alexis Keen and Ellen Griffitts-Cohen are eighth-graders at Guion Creek Middle School in Pike Township. Samantha "Sam" Hupp and Jennifer Matters are sixth-graders at Belzer Middle School in Lawrence Township. All carry cell phones; none pays the bill.

These teens all use their phones to keep in touch with their parents.

"When I'm out, (my parents) want me to check in with them, and I wanted one," said Jennifer. "I usually just talk to my parents, but at night if my friends call, I'll answer it."

"My parents wanted me to have one because after school they don't want me to use the phone at the school. So I needed one for when I'm out, just in case," said Ellen.

"When I go places, sometimes I'll need to call (my parents)," said Sam.

With prices falling and many companies offering family plans, extra phones can be added for a lower cost. Still, a family plan can cost from $60 to $100 or more a month, depending on the minutes included.

Three of the four girls are on family plans, but none is sure how many minutes are included.

Alexis's first phone was her dad's.

"My dad's work pays for his cell-phone usage. We used it over the summer because I was a baby sitter and (my employer) didn't want me using their house phone. So (my dad) just let me use it, and then noticed how much I used it, so he got me one of my own."

But cell phones have become more than a way for parents to keep tabs on their kids.

Sam said her phone is an important connection to friends. Alexis said nearly all her friends have cell phones and all of them have her number and talk often.

"Normally, I just talk to my friends, and I talk to them about anything, so I talk a lot. The only time I'm allowed to use it is during the free minutes, so I can only use it after 7 (p.m.) and on the weekends. I talk on the phone like right at 7 until about 2 in the morning and on weekends about all day," said Alexis.

Ellen said she's allowed to call whomever she wants, but doesn't.

"I don't use it that much at all. My friends don't even have the number," she said.

As phone equipment has gotten cheaper -- in early 2000, a handset cost over $200, compared with about $20 today -- multiple features have been added.

"I have a camera on my phone that I use a lot. I have a few games, but I don't really use them," Alexis said.

"I get the Internet and IM (instant messaging). I have to ask permission to use some of the extra features," she added.

"I did (get on the Internet) a few times, but it costs extra, and if I have to pay for that, then I don't really use it that much. I use (text messaging) sometimes, like if I can't talk on the phone, if we're somewhere where we have to be quiet."

Jennifer likes to go online to play some games, but must get her parents' permission first.

In the 1990s, many schools banned cell phone use during school hours. Educators suggested the distractions were many, including ringing in class, cheating with text messaging or using the camera to share exams or take photos of students changing clothes in gym locker areas.

Over the past two years, more than half a dozen states, including Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan and Nevada, and numerous individual school districts, have lifted or relaxed their bans. In Florida, it had been a felony to possess a cell phone in school. But last June, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush signed a law, based on a proposal by a group of high school students, to lift that penalty. Now, punishment is determined by individual counties.

So, while local schools haven't changed policies, it is a ban that is difficult to enforce.

"I know that we're not allowed to have them on," said Alexis. "The people that I've seen get caught haven't really gotten a consequence, just a warning. One of my friend's cell phone rang during class, and all the teacher did was to take it away until after class and give it back to him. (The teacher) told him to put it in his locker and hide it."

"We have a rule where we can't have cell phones at school, but most people just keep them in their lockers or in their bag. I keep mine (turned) off," said Sam.

"You're not allowed to have cell phones. Most of the kids do, but if you get caught with one in class, they can just take it away. My mom tried to call me once during the day, but my phone was off, and so she called the front office," said Ellen.

Some kids, like Jennifer, don't see the need to carry it to school.

"I don't really bring it to school, so I don't get calls," she said.

There are other concerns. Research published in 1997 in The New England Journal of Medicine revealed dangers associated with using a cell phone while driving. The frequency of accidents is four times higher for cell phone users -- and for inexperienced drivers, that may cause problems.

Although the four are not old enough to drive, they see the logic in not talking on the phone while driving.

Ellen said, "When I start driving, they're going to make sure I'm responsible and I don't do that."

As phones become more accessible, one question surfaces: At what age do kids need cell phones?

"It depends on what your need is. I think it's OK for 12-year-olds 'cause they go out with their friends a lot," said Sam.

Ellen added that it is not necessary for really young kids.

"If you get (one) around like 10 or something, that's just crazy."

ASSISTANT EDITORS: Katie Bolinger, 14, and Allison Gardner, 14.

REPORTER: Katie McDowell, 12.

"I don't use it that much at all. My friends don't even have the number."

Ellen Griffitts-Cohen (left)

"We have a rule where we can't have cell phones at school, but most people just keep them in their lockers or in their bag."

Samantha "Sam" Hupp (right)