Did we ever think about the dangers associated with mobile phones when they were introduced? We were happy that it brought the world closer. In the present era, things have changed, mobile phones are no longer used only to make and receive calls, they are used to send text messages also. Sending text messages or texting is a popular way to communicate using phones. You may agree that the younger generation kids are more tech savvy and respond to text messages faster than you can.
Text messaging has become the primary reason for buying a cell phone, which explains why QWERTY input is the first thing that most individuals look for while buying such devices.
In the urban India it is common to see young children sending text messages as they are leaning out of the local train, in the restaurant or while crossing the busy streets.
Though text messaging is a fun way to communicate but lack of maturity can get the kids into trouble when using technology. Let’s understand the risk of teenage text messaging:
If your teen drives the car it is important to monitor his driving behavior. Teens generally do not wait to reply to their text messages. They follow the same rule even while driving. This distraction can be a threat to the teen and other drivers.
It is important to talk to your teenage about the privilege that has been offered and explain the consequences of texting while driving. Set clear rules such as revoking driving license if your teenager sends text messages while driving.
You would agree that more and more kids receive and respond to texts even late at night. This can interfere with their sleeping pattern and increase the risk of long term fatigue. A sleepy teen will not be able to concentrate on his studies and his academic performance will be affected.
It is important that you keep a check that the teenager leaves the mobile phone out of his /her room at night. (There may be ocassions when your teenager may protest but like any other rule, be firm as it is for his/ her good.)
Sexting is a relatively new problem. It means sending a text message with sexually explicit content or picture. There are a number of cases in the news where teenagers send explicit images of themselves or their friends with an intention of the picture to be seen by that person only. However there are instances where these images are forwarded to many people which can lead to emotional pain for the person in the picture as well as the sender and receiver.
It is important that you explain to their kids that text messages should not contains pictures of any individuals without their clothes or touching or kissing each other. Make them understand that sending such text messages is a crime and can have serious and lifelong consequences.
Warning signs of hyper texting that parents need to look out for:
- Drop in grades in their academic performance
- Skipping meals to text
- Skipping activities and always fidgeting with the cell phone
- Weight gain or weight loss
Ways to manage teenage texting behavior:
a) Communicate
The simplest way to manage the teenage behavior is by talking to them. It is important to talk to the kids and explain that text messages have a positive and negative outlook. Sending text messages can help to reinforce social bond and make them feel a part of the community conversely they pose a risk to the health and social skills if they are allowed to interfere with meals and sleep. Encourage your kids to use good judgment while sending text messages and rebuff gossiping and bullying.
b) Set rules
You should have an open and honest discussion and work together guidelines and limitations on how much they can text. It is important to set rules that texting will not be allowed on the dinner table, during study hours and at bedtime. Texting messages during emergency situations should be considered as an exception to their allowances and penalty should be fixed for breaking the rule.
Well known Psychologist, Dr Pavan Sonar says, “Most parents feel guilty while setting limits on mobile usage. Parents should not have a feeling of helplessness or guilt while laying the rules. They should follow the same rule and inform the kids that restrictions are set not as a punishment but for their benefit. Maintaining a healthy and friendly relationship with the child goes a long way in making the child understand that he is loved and cared by his parents, and the privileges as well as restrictions are laid only for his benefits”.
Encourage your child on his judgment making capacities and show trust that he can handle the gadget with complete responsibility. The child would learn the art of handling the responsibility and at the same time learn to use the services provided by the cell phones with care.
