Teen Texting - Avoiding Risks

Text messaging can be a fun way for adolescents to communicate — but teen texting carries risks, too. To avoid texting problems, consider these important teen-texting tips.


What are the risks of teen texting?

Teen texting can pose potentially serious physical and emotional risks. Examples include:

■Texting while driving. Research suggests that distractions such as texting may be an even greater threat to teens than to other drivers. Peer influence also may play a role. The more passengers in the car, the more likely young drivers are to use cell phones while driving.
■Disrupted sleep. Many adolescents send and receive text messages after turning out their lights and going to bed, which can interfere with a good night's sleep. Even moderate nighttime texting can greatly increase the risk of long-term fatigue. Consider keeping your cell phone out of your room at night.

■Sexting. Sexting refers to sending a text message with sexually explicit content or a sexually explicit picture. This type of texting can cause emotional pain for the person in the picture, as well as the sender and receiver. Text messages shouldn't contain pictures of people without their clothes on or kissing or touching each other. Make sure you understand that sending this type of text message is considered a crime in some areas and that the consequences could involve the police and suspension from school.

■Cyberbullying. Cyberbullying refers to sending harassing texts, emails or instant messages, as well as posting intimidating or threatening Web sites or blogs. Receiving bullying text messages can make a teen feel unsafe and lead to school absences. Discuss cyberbullying with your parents or another trusted adult if you receive harassing text messages and consider options such as rejecting texts from unknown numbers. It isn't appropriate to send harassing text messages to others, and is also a crime in certain areas.
 
For The Parents:  How do I set appropriate limits on my teen's use of text messages?


Start by talking to your teen about how much he or she texts. You can also review cell phone records to see if your teen is sending or receiving late-night texts. Working together, set an appropriate limit for your teen's use of the technology. You might also have your teen pay for the cost of his or her texts with allowance money or by performing chores or working at a part-time job. Explain to your teen any exceptions, such as texting with you or other family members and texting during emergency situations.

Also, let your teen know that you'll periodically check his or her phone for inappropriate content. The older your teen is, the more often you may need to check. You may also be able to use software to monitor your teen's text and picture messages. If your teen isn't willing to follow the rules and expectations you've set, consider removing your teen's ability to text or send pictures through his or her phone.

Pay attention to warning signs that your teen may be spending too much time texting, including:

■Skipping activities, meals or homework to text

■Weight loss or gain

■A drop in grades or other academic problems

OK back to the Teens....What else can I do to text safely?

Understand the types of security settings that are available on your cell phone and use them appropriately. In addition, remember that any text message you send can be shared with the entire world, so it's important to use good judgment. Do not get involved in gossiping, spreading rumors, bullying or damaging someone's reputation through text messages — and have an honest discussion with your parents about the consequences of poor judgment.