How Text Messaging Is Affecting Communication Between Parents & Children

Texting is a ubiquitous part of life for many people, particularly children and teens. Faster than an email and less invasive than a phone call, text messaging is also inexpensive for those who purchase a text message package as part of their cell phone plan. If your kids are already texting with family or friends, take advantage of the technology to open up new lines of communication with them.

  1. Texting by the Numbers

    • According to a 2011 survey by the Pew Internet arm of the Pew Research Center, teens between the ages of 12 and 17 send an average of 60 text messages per day. Approximately 77 percent of teens own a cell phone, and 75 percent of teens use text messaging. Sixty-three percent text daily, while only 39 percent make daily cell phone calls. Parents are taking notice. According to an article on the Hudson Valley Parent website, 68 percent of parents use text messaging to communicate with teens.

    Advantages to Parents

    • In AT&T̵7;s text messaging primer for parents, clinical psychologist and parenting expert Dr. Ruth Peters points out that text messaging is a valuable tool. When discussing sensitive or contentious topics, texting gives you the opportunity to compose and edit your thoughts, removing some of the emotionality. You can get quick answers to questions even when your child is unavailable for a lengthy talk. A short text provides support and encouragement before a big event in the child̵7;s life, and lets you check in with your child without nagging.

    Advantages to Children

    • Peters also notes the advantages text messaging has for kids. Texting is discreet, preventing the potential embarrassment of talking to a parent while out with friends. It is quick and easy, allowing the child to send a short message when he does not have time to talk. Texting removes tone of voice and body language, making it easier for your child to accept your anger or disappointment.

    Relationship Building

    • Peters points out that texting allows you to enter your child̵7;s world. Your child can, for example, update you as events unfold rather than giving a recap at the end of the evening. If you and your child have smartphones, you can share photos and videos to further build connections between you. Peters suggests sending short videos when you are away on a business trip or asking your child to send you clips from a concert she attends. Hudson Valley Parent notes that in many households, kids teach their parents how to text. This shared experience becomes the basis for building text-based memories. More than half of both kids and parents report that their relationship improved when they began texting each other.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • What Are a Father's Rights in Maryland?
      Maryland does not favor one parent or the other when it comes to issues involving children and divorce. Still, fathers sometimes feel they are not treated fairly when it comes to court decisions about custody, visitation and child support. These fath
    • Reddit Thread Shows How Timers Have Helped Parents Give Willful Toddlers Necessary Boundaries
      Toddlers and transitions go together like peanut butter and ketchup—as in, they don't. Take my toddler being picked up from preschool for instance. He'll typically run out of the door and headbutt me, not because he isn't hap
    • Bible Stories to Read to Your Children
      Teaching your kids Bible stories gives them a way to learn about the foundations of Christianity while giving you a segue to teach them about life lessons. Use the Bible stories in conjunction with how they should act in their everyday life. Some sto