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MySpace, Media, and Messaging
In the technology-driven world we live in, we have a variety of ways to communicate. Your teenagers are aware of them and probably use them, so it’d be good if you used them also. Talking face to face is almost a thing of the past. Teens are used to communicating with their friends through text messaging, email, online instant messaging, and more. The benefit of this communication style is that people tend to be more honest.
Social Networking
If your teen has a page on MySpace, Facebook, or a similar site, sign yourself up on the same network, and be a “friend” with your teen. You will now be allowed to see their page including their pictures, friends, what their friends say to and about them, what they’re doing, what groups they are part of, and more. It is almost unlimited the amount of information you can find. These networks also help you learn more about the friends of your teen.
Texting
Undoubtedly you know what texting is because it is probably on your cell phone bill each month. Texting allows people to type a message on their cell phone and send it to another cell phone. It has quickly become a way to communicate short messages in a fast, and sometimes frequent, manner. Samsung conducted a survey of 300 kids, ages 13-19, and 500 parents with kids that age. The results showed that kids send 455 text messages per month and receive 467. That is 15 sent and 16 received daily. Parents, on the other hand, send 84 and receive 96 per month.
Some parents have been able to tap into the potential of texting to help their communication with their teens. In fact 68% of the parents surveyed text with their kids. Of those who text, 51% say texting has improved the relationship with their teens, and that they communicate more often. Fifty-three percent of teens credited texting to improving parental relations. (See the complete Samsung story).
Media
Everywhere you turn someone is trying to get the attention of your teen: TVs at Wal-Mart and grocery store checkouts, movies, billboards, commercials, and internet. Frequently their messages are contrary to what you want your teen to learn. How can you possibly monitor all the information your teen takes in? While you may have challenges, it will be worth it. The human brain isn’t fully developed until the mid-twenties, leaving your teenager’s brain completely moldable. Make your imprint.
- Set Boundaries: how much TV, movies, and internet can your kids have per day, week, or month? What rules apply: do they have to finish their homework first or do their chores?
- Don’t allow TVs or Computers in their bedroom: Put TVs and Computers in areas of your house where people frequently walk by being able to see the screen. This will help you know what your kids are watching. Research proves that teens without computers or TVs in their room do better academically.
- Set Rules: what can your kids watch at their friends’ houses? Or the movie theatre? Make sure your kids know that the things they aren’t allowed to watch in your house, they aren’t allowed to watch at other houses too. Let other parents know what your rules are so that they uphold them when your kids are at their house.
- Replace the Void: limiting the media your kids have is a good thing, but you need to fill the other time with fun activities. Play games together, go shopping, help someone in need, do yard work, or learn an instrument. Help your kids think of fun things to do instead of watching TV.
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