Kidmazing: Teen Texted Mom For Help While Being Robbed

May 2, 2008

While some parents wrestle with the decision of whether or not to give their kids mobile phones, here's one reason to cave. An Ohio teen used her cell to call for help.

Lauren Durnbaugh was home sick from school when two burglars broke into her home. The quick thinking thirteen year old curled up in the fetal position and hid under her bed covers where she texted her mom to tell her what was happening. And, thanks to technology she was unharmed.

12 Comments

phatE 5 years 2 weeks

thank you! i figured the story stood alone for that argument, but guess not.

K is For Kait 5 years 2 weeks

Guys, she didn't call, so a home phone would have been useless. She was pretending to be asleep and was able to text only because it's silent. If she had gotten up and used the home phone (assuming there is one in her room,) she would have made a good amount of noise and would have probably been dealt with by the burglars.I agree that if a child is old enough to be left home, they're old enough to have a cell phone with modest capabilities.

K is For Kait 5 years 2 weeks

Guys, she didn't call, so a home phone would have been useless. She was pretending to be asleep and was able to text only because it's silent. If she had gotten up and used the home phone (assuming there is one in her room,) she would have made a good amount of noise and would have probably been dealt with by the burglars. I agree that if a child is old enough to be left home, they're old enough to have a cell phone with modest capabilities.

phatE 5 years 2 weeks

did you read the story?

phatE 5 years 2 weeks

did you read the story?

MotoLinz 5 years 2 weeks

Home phone + 911 = End of problem. :shrug:

phatE 5 years 2 weeks

if they're old enough to be home alone, they should have some sort of cell, get them a kid one, it doesn't have to be a sidekick with unlimited texting.