As the popularity of text messaging has grown, text related issues have presented themselves in business meetings and on the roads all across the country. If you have ever had a meeting with someone who is looking at his or her phone, you know what I am talking about. And not long after many states have instituted cell phone bans for drivers, many state legislatures are now considering reworking the language of these laws to also outlaw texting while driving. The text message has presented unique challenges for teachers and administrators in public schools, Ralph C. Mahar being one of them.
As youngsters many of us have written notes to peers and handed them off in between classes, so the desire for adolescents to constantly communicate with one another is known to us. Now with texts however, students can communicate with one another both immediately and silently. As a matter of fact, the advanced “texter” will actually communicate with multiple people at the same time. The text message has quickly become the primary mode of communication among many adolescents and teens.
The recent innovation of Apple’s “I-Pod Touch” has provided students with the ability to send messages without the need for cellular phone service. The “I-Pod Touch” doesn’t allow users the ability to make phone calls, but E-mail and text messaging are available through its programming and other programs that are available for download. Cellular phones, the new Apple products, the Blackberry, and computer instant messaging software has revolutionized communication not only among teens, but for all of those who are willing try the new technology.
Perhaps you are not a “texter” or you haven’t explored its benefits. With texting you can communicate in your own time without dialing or delivering the usual unwritten rules of telephone etiquette. Without a hello and without a goodbye you can send and receive messages in your own time. The only challenge you will face is in learning what seems to be a new language. Below, I included a link to a website that I found that can help you become an efficient “texter” or if need be, help you to interpret the language that your children may be speaking, unbeknownst to you.
http://knol.google.com/k/anonymous/how-to-understand-your-kids-text/hrlb64ddr57w/33#
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I have a problem with this new way of communicating. I have seen time and time again where my step-daughter's mood has swung from good to bad in a moment due to information received via texting. When they used to use the landline, we were more aware that perhaps the mood swing was due to the phone call. It would allow for us to be more sensitive, and open the door to inquire and possibly help that child. With texting, the child silently receives the text and then goes off to sulk or cry in their room.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard enough to follow a teen's mood swings but the added secrecy and constant availability to texting makes it that much more difficult.
Not to mention, these kids, and many appear to be addicted to texting, have gotten downright rude. I wish more parents would put limits on texting. When your kids are in a social situation, put the cell phone down and be social. I personally am tired of watching these kids who are glued to their texting devices.
Am I the only parent that feels this way?