Cell Phones – Less about Talking
It will probably be no news to you that most teens are high volume users of text messaging. In general, teens in the US prefer to text over speaking on the phone. Speaking on the phone seems to be more common between teens and their parents than between friends. In terms of gender differences, girls seem to text more frequently than boys.
Some parents monitor their child’s cell phone use, checking for stored content as well as calls made and received. This behavior is most common (in the USA) amongst parents of girls who are 12 – 13 years old. There is a correlation between parents checking the cell phones of kids and kids reporting that they think twice before sending a text message or before sending sexually suggestive or nude images (known as sexting). Sexting is more common amongst older teens than younger teens.
(Source: Teens and Mobile Phones, Pew Internet)
Nowadays, many cellphones are more than phones, with capabilities for taking photos, recording videos, surfing the web, playing music, accessing social networks, etc. It is important that parents and schools speak with children about appropriate uses of the various capabilities that come with a cell phone. Most schools have an acceptable use policy, an electronic policy and other guidelines to help students navigate the electronic and online worlds. It is important that parents discuss these expectations, as well as family expectations for technology use. Important guidelines include times and locations when children may use technology, the types of technology that they may use, procedures that they should follow before creating online accounts, and guidelines for making responsible and safe choices online. It is up to us adults to help children make safe use of the Internet and electronic technology that they have access to. Discuss rules and expectations with your child to help him/her stay safe online.
I’d be interested in hearing about your rules at home. Please post a comment below.
Citation:
Lenhart, A., Ling, R., Campbell, S., Purcell, K. (2010). Teens and Mobile Phones: Text messaging explodes as teens embrace it as the centerpiece of their communication strategies with friends.
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New in Tech
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Links to Explore
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