I have a cell phone, but I hate the thing!  I didn't have my first cell phone until I was 18, ten years ago, but now I wish I could just cancel the thing.  My son will be 8 in May, and I would not even think about getting him a phone.  Of all the things on the list, the only one he does is offer to do chores, but he wants the cash to put away.  The little booger must be saving up for something, because at the moment, his wallet has more money than mine!
Now to answer your question, yes, technology is taking away freedom.  What happened to kids running around outside, making mud pies, and playing with Barbies?  No wonder the US has an obesity problem!  Have you watched Wall-E, well I think that's where this world is headed.  Get out and enjoy the sunshine people!

I must say, while in Baghdad without my cell phone, I had some peace and quiet. Noone could call me unless I went and called them. I never talked to anyone I didn't want to talk to. Granted you can do that on cell phones, but that little nagging guilt is always there for hitting "ignore". I was very happy to get back to the states and boot up the old cell phone. Until the first call came in and I hit "ignore". Sorry mom. Everyone should try to take one break a year from the cell phone. We somehow made it without them once and I am pretty sure one weekend trip without cell phones will not kill anyone. If you need to call anyone just stop at a payphone like the old days. I saw someone using one in Hallettsville, so I am pretty sure they still work. My year long break from the cell phone was wonderful, but I must say, this hypocrite is back on track with my phone on my hip.

I could take or leave the cell phone. It truly bugs me that I can be reached at any time and anywhere. When I want to escape, I turn it off. Sometimes, all day and at home. If there wasn't so much bad stuff out there, I would be more supportive of the device.
Kids didn't dare use their cell phones in my classes. If they did, I took it away, and their parents had to pick it up at the office with the 50 for cheating paper. We couldn't issue lower than 50. My fav speech was "just listening in class instead of trying to sneak a text would have helped you pass the test." Middle school kids just push the limits, but as a parent I let mine have them because of their involvement in so many activities. If it had ever been taken away, and I had had to retrieve it, that would have been the end of it. They came in handy when the boys had car trouble, were going to be late, etc. I just needed to know so I could sleep the few hours my mind would allow. It came in handy in high school when the cops caught them underage, etc. Most deputies were very generous if I would go pick them up. Hub loved those 1 AM runs. It helped that an uncle was a Sheriff, but he is retired now. It also helped that the oldest ran with the Police Chief's son when he would get into trouble. I let him stay in the jail until 5AM with all of the drunks once. The group was furious, but forgiving when surfing season came. I am an expert at tough love.
I was also too busy climbing trees, playing Annie, Annie over, and hide and seek at 8. I also loved being the bad guy with games of cowboys. Only one kid could outrun me. I always made sure I shot him first. It's too bad paint ball wasn't around then. I would have been pure mean.
My latest patio home has perfect oak trees in them. I can't wait to take the tree climber pics of my grands. My baby girls are going to be princesses who can pretty much keep up with the guys their age. Jonathan is going to be my doctor some day. The kid is so smart, and I love him to pieces. He will get to climb the oaks first, and my camera will be ready.

Interesting topic Aprill.  Yes, is my answer to your question.  But my opinion is on the outside looking in compared to one of any middle or high school level teachers in our school systems.  I have heard from more than one teacher that the cell phone issue is probably the biggest problem they deal with on a day to day basis.  The kiddos can text without looking at their phones, even some have perfected holding the phone behind their back and texting.  So, from a educators standpoint, I think the cell phone is distracting for many students.  How many kids today are willing to leave their cell phones at home and go play, shop, or just carry on a conversation with others without the ability to continuously monitor their phone for the next message?  Not many I bet.  I would say that borders on an addiction that will not be easy to rid yourself of in the future.  Just my thoughts.