Texting

Texting versus drinking: Which one hinders drivers more?

Elaina Verhoff — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:52:00 -0700

The next time you reach for your cell phone while driving, pretend it's a bottle of beer. You wouldn't take a swig of alcohol while driving, but did you know texting while driving could be even more dangerous?

What new parents need to relearn about driving

Whitney Coy — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:10:00 -0800

When you become a new parent, everything changes. You have a lot to adjust to. Why should your driving habits stay the same? After all, you're driving around with your most precious possession in the backseat. Have you adjusted your driving habits? You should!

Forget sleepwalking: Teens are texting in their sleep

Sherri Kuhn — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:00:00 -0800

Teens are so plugged in, they can’t seem to stop — even when they are asleep. Teens are sending and answering texts during their sleep, having no recollection when they wake up. While it may be funny or embarrassing to the teens, there is more to the story than just a few potentially inappropriate text messages.

Teaching kids about cell phone safety

Christina Caldwell — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 01:52:00 -0700

Owning a cell phone is a huge responsibility — especially for growing minds. The relationship your child has with their cell phone now will form the way they communicate for the rest of their lives. Here's how to keep them safe and out of trouble.

Lessons all teens should know about texting

Whitney Coy — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 01:41:00 -0700

Texting is an essential way for teens to communicate. Unfortunately, they're not always mature enough to handle the risks that come with it. Here are some lessons they should learn before you hand over a cell phone.

Kids and cell phones: What you need to know

Christina Caldwell — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 01:39:00 -0700

The penetration of cell phones is so widespread today that even elementary school students can be spotted with smartphones. It's a different world from when you were growing up. Here's what you need to know when it comes to kiddos and cell phones.

Explaining the importance of the no-texting-while-driving rule to your teen

Christina Caldwell — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 01:29:00 -0700

The invincibility of the teenage spirit combined with the endless need to fit in and socialize with peers can be a deadly combination. Make sure your teen knows to be focusing on the road, not their phone, with these talking tips.

Using technology to connect with your teen

Jessica Watson — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:52:00 -0700

The more gadgets in your teenager's hands, the further they seem to drift from you. These days it is hard to have a conversation in the car or even at the dinner table. Try these tips for connecting with your teen through their favorite route… technology.

Are smartphones for kids a smart idea?

Ami Burns — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 08:00:00 -0700

It seems everyone has a smartphone these days, including young kids. Here are expert tips for deciding if your child should have a smartphone, and how to keep her safe if she gets one.

The positive side of techno-parenting

Tiernan McKay — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 11:00:00 -0700

There are those who argue that technology has become a detriment to society and a hindrance to kids and parents alike. But technology isn’t all bad... especially if you’re a busy parent.

Tracking your teen's texts

Ami Burns — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 11:00:00 -0700

If monitoring your teen's texts and social media accounts is turning into a full-time job, here's what you need to know to keep him safe — without losing your sanity.

Can texting help your relationship?

Jessica Padykula — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 -0800

According to a recent Pew Internet study, we send or receive an average of 41 texts per day. It’s a simple, efficient way to communicate, but we have some tips for how to make texting even better – especially when it comes to communicating with your guy. Relationship coach Michael Fiore wants to help the cell phone nation get plugged back into their relationships. He shared some tips for making the most of your texts.

OMG mom! Kids and slang

Jen Klein — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 06:45:00 -0700

Every generation has it's own slang. Every generation develops its own ways of communicating certain issues within the group. What was "groovy" or "awesome" in previous generations is now OMG! and LOL! and will be something else entirely in coming generations. Whether you cringe or giggle when you hear your kids use these words, it's a part of the passing of the torch, generationally speaking. You have little control over the terminology.

Your kids can text, but can they write?

Jen Klein — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:30:00 -0700

We are not the first generation of parents to deal with slang. Our parents -- even their parents -- experienced their children declaring their own ways to communicate with one another. Slang, as part of the ongoing evolution of language, is a completely normal occurence. Some of that slang will even make it into mainstream communication. What our parents didn't have to deal with, however, was "text speak" -- slang taken to the extreme in written communication.

How to know if your child is a cyber bully

Michelle Maffei — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:53:00 -0700

You teach your child to stay safe with the technology he uses, but how do you know if your kiddo is abusing his high-tech freedom? With cell phones, the Internet and social media at his fingertips, your youngster may be engaging in aggressive behavior known as cyber bullying. From keeping an eye on his computer time to talking to your child about the legal consequences, here are some tips on how to know if your child is a cyber bully.

Teaching teens to be safe drivers

Abbi Perets — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:10:00 -0700

We'd love it if our kids would do only what we tell them to do, but the reality is that they're much more likely to do what we do. And when it comes to driving, a new study shows we're not setting a good example. Is your behavior upping your teen driver's risk of an accident?

Dos and don'ts of texting your mate

Kori Ellis — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 07:00:00 -0800

Recently, a friend of mine dumped his girlfriend via text message. If they were dating for a couple weeks, you might find it an acceptable way to break the news. However, they were dating for two years! That leads me to our first texting don't...

Teaching kids about cell phone safety

Julie Guest Alloway — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 12:40:00 -0700

Kids' cell phones come with their own set of parental headaches, not least of which is who they're allowed to talk to, text and , what websites they can access. Here are some easy to follow safety tips.

The new teen relationships

Elizabeth Weiss McGolerick — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:57:00 -0700

In a teen’s tech-savvy world, texting is the medium of choice for asking someone out, flirting, communicating and breaking up. Are these informal, confusing messages ruining teens’ abilities to hone their relationship skills for the future?

Spying on teens online

Elizabeth Weiss McGolerick — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:42:00 -0700

There are dangerous waters for parents to navigate these days – namely, social media sites and cell phones. But does spying on teens help or hurt the parent-child relationship? Find out where to draw the line between invading your children's privacy and protecting them.