The average number of monthly texts for a 13- to 17-year-old teen is 1,742, according to a Nielsen study of cellphone usage. Yikes! That is a lot of texting, but I think it’s even higher! At a brown-bag lunch at George Mason University, Peter Pober, who teaches communications, said that texting is turning us into “sound bite thinkers” and told faculty members that for best results, they should limit their sentences to eight words (about ½ the length before texting) during lectures.
Parents and educators are grappling with similar concerns as text messaging has exploded among our teens and tweens.
As a parent with two teens, I can attest that cell phones and text messaging, have become an integral part of teenager’s lives. Teens use their cell phones for text messaging more than calls and tend to text constantly day and night.
As much as I too struggle with the teen cell phone dilemma that surrounds us, I don’t think it’s all bad. Text messaging helps kids connect with their peers, which is crucial for that age group. Texting is teaching teens to be comfortable with technology in a way that will be important for their future. It can teach multitasking, and helps kids become more comfortable with using the written word.
Personally, my two teens have cell phones because Mom needs a security blanket. I love that I can call them and they can call me when they need help, to tell me they are running late or changing plans.
I am not saying it’s all good. There are many reasons to be concern:
· Constant text messaging interferes with normal conversation and interactions
· There’s a fine line between multitasking and distraction
· They may be writing, but it’s hardly quality stuff
· Text messaging can interfere with sleep
· Loss of independence as parents are only a phone call away when a problem occurs
· Text messaging while driving, which is extraordinarily dangerous, is becoming more common
· Text messaging can be used for bullying and harassment
· Text messages can be easily forwarded, leading to wide distribution of messages and pictures that are personal or embarrassing
Since texting is such a new phenomenon, it’s too early to tell exactly when it crosses the line between helpful and harmful, so for now, I am a huge supporter!
Parents ~ Keep your teens safe. Talk to them, set limits and monitor.
Teens ~ Keep your parents happy. Put down your phone while you’re doing homework, don’t text when you’re with other people, don’t text after lights out at night and most importantly, don’t text and drive!
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1 comment:
I agree that texting can be both good and bad. I personally couldn't live without texting and I think it's a great form of communication, but while it allows us to be in constant contact with one another, it can also inhibit the proper use of the English language. Hopefully people have a good foundation on the usage of grammar before they began texting because of all of the shorthand used in text messaging. It wldnt b vry good 2 trn in a resrch ppr lke ths :)
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