With classes getting underway in the next week, most schools in Tennessee have safety procedures in place. But research also shows both parents and teens are using another resource to help them feel more secure – text messaging. More than half (53 percent) of teens and 51 percent of parents agree that text messaging has fostered increased communication and actually improved their relationship, according to a study by Samsung Mobile.

“Our customers tell us that their phones are a lifeline to family and friends,” said Jack Brundige, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “Being able to connect with the ones you love anytime, anywhere is what is most important to them. And never is it more important than during times of emergency.”

Cell phones are one of the best safety devices available to families. U.S. Cellular offers tips to share with your children about safety before they head off to school:

Punch In The Numbers – Parents should make sure their kids know how to use a cell phone in an emergency. Before sending young kids off on the first day of school, parents should pre-program emergency numbers into the phone and it is also helpful to list I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) in their contacts list. This is one of the first places school officials or emergency personnel look when assisting someone in a health crisis.

Look mom, no hands! – Today’s students have a heavy load to carry across campus or through high school hallways with books, musical instruments and laptops. You can lighten the load by purchasing a hands-free Bluetooth^® headset, so students can answer their phone or play an MP3 with the touch of a button.

Peace of mind – Cell phone insurance can give you peace of mind and a new phone. U.S. Cellular customers can purchase an insurance policy for less than $6 a month that covers a multitude of accidents. U.S. Cellular’s free My Contacts Backup saves the phone’s contacts to a Web site, in case it is lost or broken.

Stay charged – Many students have a lengthy drive to and from school. You can purchase a phone charger for a car to ensure that your child’s phone can be charged even when on the road.

The 8,700 associates of U.S. Cellular believe a wireless phone enhances people’s lives and a wireless company should be in the business of bringing people together. Based in Chicago, U.S. Cellular is the nation's fifth-largest wireless carrier, serving 6.2 million customers across the country. To learn more about the company visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com.