Did you realize that on average teens send 3,146 texts per month? As a parent, are you getting your fair share of those precious texting minutes? Studies show that the majority of parents who use text messaging believe it improves their communication with their teens. There are definitely some moments when texting is actually the preferred method of contact between parents and teens.
If your teen…
Needs to Answer a Quick Question
Texting is great for when you need a quick answer to a logistical question such as “What time do I pick you up?” or “Do you have practice tonight?”
Is in a Loud Environment
How many times have you tried to talk with your teen by cell phone as they are leaving a high school football game? The noise of the crowd, band, etc. makes it impossible to hear—texting your question or answer is an easy way for your teen to reply without having to leave the action or scream over their friends
Is in a Quiet Environment
The opposite of the football game is the library or a quiet restaurant—places that cell phone chatter is not only frowned upon but is often against the rules. Texting makes communication still possible even when voices need to be kept low.
Needs an Escape
As a security expert, I feel this is one of the best reasons to text with your teen. Many times our teens find themselves in inappropriate or dangerous situations such as a party that has gotten out of hand. While they may be intimidated to call, a quick text message allows them to say “come pick me up” without alerting the entire crowd.
Remember, texting is the communication style your teen actually prefers most of the time, so integrating it into your lifestyle will go a long way toward deepening the teen-parent relationship.
For more ideas on how to keep your teen safe while texting, checkout my latest ebook: Safe Text: Protecting Your Teen from the Dangers of Texting. And remember, tweet about this blog (to @SecurityFrst or #safetext) and you might win a $25 gift card from Amazon!