The dangers of texting addictions

(NBC) - Chances are if your child has a cell phone, he or she is really into text messaging.

For teens, it has become their main source of communication and psychologists are worried all that texting is taking a toll.

Stephanie Barraque, 17, admits she texts up to 200 times a day.

"Basically everything is about texting," said Barraque. "No one calls anymore."

Texting keeps her connected to friends around the clock, and separating from her Sidekick makes her feel lost.

"I need to have it on me," said Barraque. "I mean if I don't have it on me, I lose sight of things, I lose sight of the world."

The recent high school graduate speaks for millions of teens across the country who might say they are addicted to texting, and that is why her own mother thinks it is getting out of hand. Psychologists, like Marisa Azaret, are worried texting is taking its toll.

"Parents need to understand the dangers," said Azaret.

Dangers such as falling grades. More schools forbid texting in class, but Stephanie, who is a student, said it is still a big distraction.

"Like the teacher will pass by and behind their backpacks, and they leave their backpacks on their desks and they'll be like texting, 'Hey what's up and things like that,'" said Barraque.

Sleep deprivation is another problem.

"I'll hear the noise at night because I'm a light sleeper, and right after you get a text, you're interested in what's going on with the other person that just texted you at 2 a.m.," said Barraque.

It is no surprise, experts said, that this phenomenon can only lead to restlessness and anxiety.

"If they never replied you back you kinda get, 'OK, no one's calling me, I want to know what's wrong.'" said Barraque.

But Azaret has advice for parents: Get involved.

"Parents need to set the limits," said Azaret. "And say during the week, 'You know what? Zero phone, zero computer, zero text messaging after 8 p.m.'"

Since this phenomenon of texting is so new, there is no conclusive data on how it effects the way the adolescents develop.