2 Text or Not 2 Text?

Contributed by: bNetSavy.org

Can you keep your child/student from texting, and should you?  Might you benefit from texting, or at least from learning how to text? To make informed decisions, parents and educators need to be aware of the positive and negative aspects of text messaging.

Positive Aspects:

• Talking and email take time – text messages are short and instantaneous
• Conversing via phone requires quiet – texting works in crowded or noisy environments
• Wireless phone ring tones and conversations disturb others in public places – text messages are silent and non-intrusive
• Texting may boost confidence for those who are shy or don’t like face-to-face or voice-to-voice interaction
• Overworked multitaskers often lose touch with friends and family – texting helps people stay in touch because it’s so quick and effortless
• Long distance phone calls get expensive – a text message can be cheaper
• Texts can work as message reminders (birthdays, anniversaries, to-do lists)
• Text messages deliver quick updates on news and weather
• School systems, police departments, and government agencies are increasingly using texting as a way to relay emergency notification
   

Negative Aspects:

• Because of possible disruptions and academic dishonesty, many schools prohibit wireless phone usage during school hours.
• Cyberbullying is a rapidly growing trend that can have serious consequences.  Electronic bullying is accomplished through any type of electronic device, including cell phones. 
• Many children do not tell a trusted adult if they are bullied electronically.
• Texting while driving or crossing the street can be dangerous – the risk seems obvious, but many teens/tweens do text while driving and walking. A 2007 American Automobile Association study found, for example, that 46 percent of 16- and 17-year-old drivers send text messages while driving.
• There are some concerns that text speak will negatively impact children’s writing and grammar skills.  According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, over 60 percent of American teenagers admit that they include some form of texting in their school work.
• “Sexting” is the sending of provocative or explicit text messages or photographs using wireless devices.  From flirtatious messages to nude photographs, sexting is a growing concern. Often, the racy photos or messages are disseminated to others. 
• Depending on the phone plan, text messaging costs can be prohibitive.  Some plans charge a flat rate for each text message sent or delivered while other mobile phone carriers offer unlimited texting for a set monthly fee.  If texting is done sporadically, the flat rate may be a better option.  Text messaging can be blocked on many services.
• Texting may be more impersonal than face-to-face or voice-to-voice conversations, and young people may use texting as a form of emotional avoidance.
• Typing on a mobile device may be difficult for some users due to the size of the keypad or typing can be arduous. 
• A 2006 survey from Virgin Mobile reported nearly 4 million people in the UK reported numbness or pain in thumbs, fingers or wrists from text-related injuries.