News, Advice, and Tips for Parenting Teenagers

"Sexting" is the word used to describe the sending or receiving of sexually explicit messages or pictures via cell phone. The practice is increasing in popularity among teenagers, which has many parents worried about their kids' safety and reputation.

According to an article on the website of Albequerque's KAOT News Channel 7, parents may be able to use a new technological tool to monitor their children's cell phone use:

New software is being marketed to parents, giving them a controversial new tool. Its called My Mobile Watchdog. For $10 a month, parents can receive a copy of every text, picture, and video message their child sends and receives.

My Mobile Watchdog claims it is not spyware, as it sends an alert to the cell phone user, informing her that a copies of her messages will be shared with a third party. Still, some parents -- concerned about invading their children's privacy -- prefer to build a trusting relationship that encourages their kids to be honest about who and what they're texting.

Labels: technology, text messaging, cell phones, sexting

Posted By: Aspen/CRC