Healthy Relationship and Communications
Every healthy relationship is built off of communication. No relationship can prosper if there is no communication between the two people. Child psychologist states that “ A child must learn stong communication skills so that their relationships may be stronger. (Locshner) Yet, the 21st century has changed communication entirely. To our modern teens communication is to pick up their phones and to send a quick text message. Face-to-face relationships are just as the sound. In order to have one you must be with the person face to face. This means teens must have a real conversations not through a text or a DM. Face-to-face relationships are the only way to build a relationship to last.
Texting may be one be the most influential factor to ruining face to face relationships. Teens get locked on having conversations purley through text. They no longer feel the need to communicate face to face because its just easier over text. They feel pressure to always stay connected and accessible. Rather then spending time with family or friends. As child therapist Zawn Villines states, “Texting encourages rapid-fire, single-sentence thoughts, but this style of communication isn’t conducive to face-to-face communication”.
Family Communication
Consequently, people who text a lot may be more uncomfortable with in-person communication and may even use their cell phones to communicate with people who are in their presence.” (Villines) Parents often report that their teens text during dinner, and the friend who texts during a group night out is a common phenomenon. This causes great disturbance in family communication and relationships. Texting is, almost by definition, surface-level communication. No deep, fruitful relationship can be built on surface level conversations and lack of real face to face discussions.
There are no limits to what one can say or do through a text message. For example cyber bullying. “87 percent of today’s youth have witnessed cyberbullying” (TEENSAFE) There are no consequences to what happens over text, because teens can delete anything and never say a word.this not only leads to cyberbullying but also sexting. “Teenage girls have a few reasons for why they participate in sexting: 40 percent do it as a joke, 34 percent do it to feel sexy, and 12 percent feel pressured to do it.
While nearly 70% of teen boys and girls who sext do so with their girlfriend or boyfriend, 61% of all sexters who have sent nude images admit that they were pressured to do it at least once.” (DoSomething) The key word throughout these statistics is pressured. Many teens feel pressured through text to respond immediately or to give their peers what they want. Texting has affected so many teens yet, more negative than positive.
Study of Journal of Development of Psychology
Texting has definitely allowed for easier and faster communication. Before texting, you would have to make a very time-consuming phone call just to send a simple message. Texting, however, has allowed people to be able to send that simple message in only a matter of seconds. People in society’s lives have changed from this act because it has provided such a quick, simple and efficient way to communicate with others. Also, the British Journal of Development of Psychology conducted a study that discovered texting may have a positive effect on reading. Since teens read texts and write texts so often, it may enhance their reading ability since they are repeatedly doing this act often. In addition, researchers in Israeli found that teens who communicate digitally when they are distressed often have a decrease in their distressed state. This does allow for some positives.
Everywhere you go, you are surrounded by teens whose eyes are glued to the screen with their thumbs rapidly moving. Even while in large groups! Texting has affected face to face communication. But there are ways to stop it before it begins. Discuss proper cell phone and texting use before issues arise. Discuss the risks above; many teens are not aware of the possible consequences of their actions. Set boundaries before teen receives their phone, this will cause the teen to be more hesitant while the phone is in use. Never allow the teen to bring a phone to dinner or into restaurants.
Of any sort of family gathering. Read texts occasionally for appropriateness. Although teens need a sense of independence and privacy, parents are ultimately responsible for their well-being. Keep a close eye on the usage of your cell phone bill. As with any issue concerning teenagers, it’s important to. Always stay connected and involved in teens life. Try to create a relationship where they feel as though they can talk to you and not be afraid and feel like they have to rush to their phone to get counseling from peers. Always stay open and be willing to listen to your teen.
Dangers of Texting
Texting, a technology advancement most can’t go a day without. In order to have one you must be with the person face to face. This means teens must have real conversations not through a text or a DM. Texting may be one of the most influential factors ruining face to face relationships. They no longer feel the need to communicate face to face because it’s just easier over text. There are no limits to what one can say or do through a text message. Many teens feel pressured through text to respond immediately or to give their peers what they want.
