when did text messaging become the only means of communication

Kathy - posted on 07/18/2009

I have a daughter is 13 I would like to know why they think they even have to have a cell phone. I agree with Ms, Brown , That is why I don't have texting on my phone she has to either come to talk to me in person or call me on the phone. I also told her that I phone is to talk not to type.



She does ride her bike and she also call her friends on the phone to see what is going on



Kathy

Micki - posted on 07/18/2009

I resently after (much resistance) let my daughter get texting. However since I do not agree with it we had alot of ground rules. One she pays for it. Two it is not to be used when in public like at a restaurant, store, drs office. I think that is rude--even of adults. Three it is NOT to be used during family time. Family outings or just hanging out watching tv. Again rude. I do not want to see it or hear it. I truely do not agree with anyone texting like that. I work in a professional setting and even though it is not allowed people text all the time like their life depends on it. I am trying to instill responsibility and respect in her by allowing the texting but showing her the appropriate times and places for it. But letting her be a teenager too.

Meriann - posted on 07/18/2009

I think it is hard with teens. You just have to try and do what is best for you and your children. I think that it is difficult for teens not to text when the primary means of communication that others are using is the same thing. As long as they are doing other things and texting is not becoming too consuming, and they are being safe with it, then I guess it is just something that we in an older generation will have to get used to, just like our parents and computers.

Jennifer - posted on 07/16/2009

I have an 11 year old son. He likes to text too. He seems to open up more about things when he is texting than he does when standing face to face with me. We have had some pretty good heart to hearts via phone messages. The only stipulation I have is: You have to use English. Shorthand text abbreviations may not be used. Everything must be spelled correctly. If nothing else, he is actually learning that "lol" , "jk", and "idk" are not words, and "wat R U doin" is not a sentence.

Heidi - posted on 07/16/2009

Times are so different when we were kids, My kids are all attached to their phones , it drives me crazy to a certain point. We have AT&T and put the kids on smart limits. This way we can manage how many text they have for the month and the time of use, also download limits.The kids don't like it , but when they run of of text messages they are out for the month. It will hopefully teach them moderation.

Tawnya - posted on 07/16/2009

I guess I should clarify. The reason my husband and I decided on getting a phone for our son is because he has been granted a gift in the skills he has for playing basketball. Because of these skills, he not only travels for school, but spends many weekends and summer weeks away either at camp or with his AAU basketball team. We felt it important for him to have a constant means to be able to contact us. Socially, he is very active with not only his basketball teammates, but with the wonderful friendships he has managed to develop in school. It just seems that recently text messaging has become an important aspect of his social life. I just need to find out if it is a teenage phase or if I should be concerned. This is my first teenager and sometimes I feel like I'm completely lost.

Meriann - posted on 07/15/2009

Cell phones are a touchy subject. I do not and will not make texting my only form of communication with my children. I think that you need to lay it on the line and tell your son until he starts finding other ways of communication he will not be allowed to have his cell phone back. Social skills are extremely important and teens need to learn to develop them in order to be successful in the future. - Meriann