Texting Etiquette for Teens

Pick the Right Time

• Explain to your teen that it's not appropriate to send text messages when in the company of others. Prioritizing electronic communication over "face time" is not only extremely rude, but it's a good way to lose the friends who care enough to spend time with you. Set some additional ground rules for times when he is not supposed to text, such as when he is at the movies, in church, at a restaurant, and above all when he is driving. A report by the Federal Communications reveals that 11 percent of drivers between ages 18 and 20 who survived automobile accidents admitted they were sending or receiving text messages at the time of the crash.

Keep It Casual

• Ask your teen how he would feel if he received some very bad news via text message -- his girlfriend breaking up with him, or news of the death of a close friend. Remind him that text messaging is appropriate only for informal conversation, and that communicating important information should be done face-to-face, if possible, or, failing that, by phone. Business matters, such as arranging or following up on a job interview, should be dealt with via phone or email.

Keep It Simple

• Remind your teen that text messages are short, impersonal and can easily be misunderstood. He should state clearly what he's trying to say, and save humor, sarcasm or any strong emotion for a phone call or in-person conversation. With texting, there are no additional cues, such as tone of voice or facial expression, to help each person get a better understanding of what the other one is trying to express. Also, suggest that he limit his use of acronyms and emoticons in texting, as not every recipient will understand what these mean.

Just Say No

• Caution your teen never to send any type of message, particularly a picture, that he would not want to get into the wrong hands. Not only is there always the danger of sending a message to the wrong recipient, but you also have no control over who's going to see the message even if it does get to the right person. Even though it may make for an awkward conversation, be sure to warn him against sending sexually explicit messages or pictures by text -- called "sexting." A 2012 survey by the University of Texas Medical Branch found that nearly 30 percent of all teens have engaged in sexting, but the consequences of this behavior can be way beyond mere embarrassment should these pictures be seen by others. In some instances, teens have been charged with crimes, such as distribution of child pornography.