I was watching a TV show the other day. A girl was about to have her 13th birthday. This seems reasonable for a TV show to have.

The thing that caught my attention was the girl asked for a progression of things:

Girl: Can I get a cell phone?
Parents: No.

Girl: Can I get a pager (why anyone would want this in todays age is anyone’s guess)?
Parents: No.

Girl: Can I at least get a computer in my bed room?
Parents: No.

Girl: Well, then could I get my own email address?
Parents: Well, we’ll think about it.

… time in show progresses …

Parents: Ok, you’ll get your own email account, but we’ll have the password and can check on any emails sent/received/deleted.
Girl (all giddy and overflowing with delight): Yay, this is the best birthday ever.

My question is: When did getting an email change into a Rite of Passage for young girls and/or boys. I can understand the parents wanting full access, but why is the girl giddy?

What happened to cars (or just even driving) being the main Rite of Passage?