News, Advice, and Tips for Parenting Teenagers

Passing laws that make it illegal for teenagers to drive while talking on cell phones do little good, according to a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The reasons are that teens ignore the laws and police do not enforce them. Police officers told researchers that it is impossible for them to tell which drivers are teens or if they are using hands-free devices, which are legal in some states.

Researchers watched teenagers driving out of high schools in North and South Carolina before and after such laws passed. About 12% of the students drove while talking on their phones, no matter what the law was.

Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have passed laws restricting teen cell phone use while driving.

Barbara Harsha, director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, said "the laws send a message to parents more than anything else."

Is Your Child a Cell Phone Junkie? Find out now!

Labels: cell_phones, driving

It used to be that parents worried about what their kids were doing on their computers. Now, many parents are beginning to wonder what their kids are doing on their cell phones. Now that most cell phones offer Internet access, the Web is available just about everywhere.

"Among teens, there is a strong demand for text messaging and email on cell phones. Now they want additional features, too, says Chris Collins, a senior analyst with Yankee Group. In a survey, 26% of teens said that having Internet access was a must-have feature for the next phone they bought..."

Many cell phone carriers offer options that allow parents to control how much access kids have to the Internet. Some service plans enable parents to block certain types of websites, or block Internet access altogether. Source: The Wall Street Journal

Worried that your teen is becoming addicted to the Internet? Check out Video-Game-Addiction.org to learn more.

Labels: cell_phones, internet, safety

It's not a new trend; acronyms like SOS and ASAP have been used for decades. But the latest generation of tweens (pre-teens) has their own set of abbreviations that leaves many adults scratching their heads.

"It has evolved into a spoken language among young teens and middle school students, who use acronyms to speak to their friends in shorthand, save a little time or tell off-color jokes in front of confused parents..."

This new age of acronyms was born out of instant and text messaging, using shortcuts like LOL ("laugh out loud") and IDK ("I don't know") that were initially only written. Though parents may feel confused and a little frustrated, most linguists offer a word of encouragement: It's only a trend, and it won't last long. Source: The Emerald Coast (Florida)

Not up on the latest text lingo? Learn how to "Text Your Teen 4 Better Communication".

Labels: cell_phones, communication, technology

According to a survey conducted by Samsung Mobile, nearly half of all parents use text messaging to communicate with their teenagers. Most of those parents also said that text messaging improved their overall relationships with their teens.

"There is no doubt that cell phones are creating new ways for parents to connect with... teens... That is a very good thing."

And while text messaging can be a great tool, open communication is necessary in any format that works: telephone, face-to-face, over ice cream. The "art of parenting" has been around far longer than cell phones, and requires both the use of the latest technology and reliance on standard forms of communication. Source: Switched.com.

If your teen isn't communicating with you and believe he or she is engaging in risky behaviors, then a therapeutic boarding school may help. Learn more about Aspen Ranch and their animal assisted therapy program.

Labels: cell_phones, communication, text_messaging

Almost 90 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds own cell phones, and 32 percent of them say they "couldn't live without" their mobile phone, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Survey completed in December 2007.

The study revealed that cell phone ownership gives young people a false sense of safety.
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"Especially for women, cell phones offer a sense of security that may make them more willing to put themselves in risky situations," said study author Jack Nasar, a professor of city and regional planning at Ohio State University.

Cell phone users are more likely to walk alone at night if they are carrying their phones. If they are talking on their phones, they are more likely to cross busy streets without looking and take risks when driving.

Labels: cell_phones, risky_behavior, safety

The current generation of young people is very tech savvy. Most of them have cell phones and computers. And some are using technology to send and receive explicit images of themselves and others.

"Taking the photos could lead to felony manufacturing child pornography charges, sending the photos could lead to distributing child pornography charges, and having the photos on a phone or computer could lead to possession of child pornography charges."

Even if charges aren't filed, few teens realize the potential implications of having explicit photos of themselves online; photos that can come back to haunt them later in life. Read more at NaplesNews.com.

Worried your teen is spending too much time on their computer or playing video games? Learn about Internet Addiction at VideoGameAddiction.org.

Labels: cell_phones, consequences, responsibility

Kids are getting cell phones at younger and younger ages. It's not uncommon to see elementary-aged students calling parents for rides home after school. Is your child ready for his or her first phone?

"Parenting expert [Diane] Debrovner says to consider whether your children will remember to charge the phone and turn it on, and whether they will lose it or forget to check a message. 'Do they do their homework and remember to turn it in? Get out of the house for school in the morning? Do they follow their rules?' Debrovner asked... "

It's important to consider, as well, whether or not your child is mature enough to follow the rules of cell phone use, which often includes keeping it turned off during school hours. Read more at HonoluluAdvertiser.com.

Having a phone could be a good time to teach your child about fiscal responsibility. Read Teens and Money: Teaching Fiscal Responsibility.

Labels: cell_phones, responsibility, teaching

Cell phone use is linked to headaches, insomnia and confusion, according to a report in the British journal, The Independent.

Scientists asked 70 people to talk on their cell phones before they went to bed and found that such usage shortened the stages of deep sleep. The study also linked such sleep disturbances to depression, mood swings, ADHD symptoms and personality changes in teenagers.

"This study strongly suggests that mobile phone use is associated with specific changes in the areas of the brain responsible for activating and coordinating the stress system," according to the report.

Last week the Federal Drug Administration called for more scientific studies of the long-range effects of cell phone use on health, especially since more people are using the phones at very young ages.

Looking for programs for troubled teens? Aspen Ranch offers animal assisted therapy and other ways to help troubled teens.

Labels: cell_phones, research, sleep_deprivation

Teens are socializing online and by cell phone more than ever, although email is now "uncool," according to a study by the Pew Institute.

Over 63% of teens own cell phones, and 55% use them every day to talk with friends. Fifty-five percent have profiles on social networks like Facebook and MySpace, and 41% use these websites to communicate with friends every day. Over 40% of girls and 20% of boys blog or keep online diaries.

The "Teens and Social Media" study involved interviews with persons ages 12 to 17 years old between 2004 and 2006.

NorthStar Center drug abuse recovery programs offer adolescents and young adults a sober living environment and addiction therapy.

Labels: cell_phones, email, internet

Having a cell phone has become more than a rite of passage for teens; it has become commonplace. It can also help keep a teen safe. But rather than just handing over a phone, crossing fingers and hoping the bills aren't sky high, consider having your teen sign a usage contract.

"Contracts with adolescents are an excellent parenting approach because teens yearn to be treated as adults. These parents are not dictating cell phone usage but instead pulling their teenager into full agreement; he obtains the privilege of using a cell phone but only under certain conditions."

If the teen violates the conditions, he loses the phone for a predetermined time. A contract not only teaches the teen responsibility, but helps the parents keep cell phone costs under control.

Copper Canyon Academy all girls schools for troubled teen girls helps families by helping teenage girls get back on track. Visit coppercanyonacademy.com to learn more.

Labels: cell_phones, responsibility, safety

California became one of the sixteen states to make it illegal for teen drivers to talk on cell phones when they are driving. The new law goes into effect in July 2008, and imposes fines of $20 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent tickets.

A study by Ford Motor Company found that adult and teen drivers could recognize 97% of potentially dangerous situations as they used a driving simulator. However, the researchers used the same people in the same simulators but allowed participants to use hands-free cell phones. In the second tests, teens missed 54% of the hazards and adults missed 14%. The Center for Disease Control found that drivers ages 16 to 19 years were four times more likely to be involved in a car crash than older drivers.

Teen drug addiction is a serious matter that affects many families. Learn how you can help at 4TroubledTeens.com.

Labels: cell_phones, driving, risky_behavior

Last week, AT&T announced a new service that will allow parents to set cell phone limits for their children. While most parents want their kids to have cell phones for safety reasons, they don't want kids being able to call and text at all hours of the day and night.

"The functions, ranging from call blocking and hour limits to text message and download allowances, will be set through a Web site. Calls to or from a parent's number can be made to override the restrictions, and calls to 911 can be made anytime."

The add-on feature is called Smart Limits and will cost $4.99 per month per line.

Through their equine therapy program and accredited academics, Aspen Ranch offers help for troubled teens.

Labels: cell_phones, responsibility, safety

It's estimated that 60 percent of the tween population will have cell phones by the year 2010. A tween is defined as anyone between 8 and 12 years of age. The rising trend is due mostly to parents who view cell phones as a good way to keep track of their kids.

"Elizabeth Englander, a psychology professor at Bridgewater State College, says there can be positive and negative aspects to a child as young as 7 or 8 years old having a cell. She says it all depends on weighing a phone's pros and cons. She says there is an advantage to a younger child having a cell phone to call a parent during an emergency or to be picked up, but that kids and parents must be aware of the possible dangers."

Dangers include a child being called by someone who intends them harm, or the possibility of receiving disturbing pictures or videos on their phone. The likelihood of these things happening is minimal, and it's up to parents to decide if the benefits outweigh the potential negatives. Read more at TheSunChronicle.com.

Boarding schools for middle school girls can get a tween who's headed down the wrong path back on track. New Leaf Academy is a private girls schools with campuses in Central Oregon and North Carolina.

Labels: cell_phones, safety, tweens

Text messaging has become as common as a phone call for today's teens. Many send text messages to their friends when their in the same house, or even sitting right next to each other. For some parents, the costs of text messages are getting out of control.

"'If parents can't control the amount of text-messaging their child is doing, they should use a wireless plan that offers unlimited texting for one set price, '[Heather McLaughlin] says. 'Another solution, that I don't think is being used, would be for wireless companies to offer parental control that could set the hours in a day their child can send and receive text messages.'"

Another alternative for parents to consider is having the child pay any extra fees incurred by excessive text messaging. It would give the parent a great opportunity for talking about finances and the fact that privileges like cell phones don't come for free. Read more NashuaTelegraph.com.

Outdoor education programs help teens unplug and get back to basics. Visit Wilderness-Programs-Info.com for more information.

Labels: cell_phones, money, text_messaging

The Anti-Defamation League of Philadelphia recently sponsored a program called "Trickery, Trolling and Threats: Understanding and Addressing Cyberbullying." The focus was on not only identifying cyberbullying, but giving parents and young people ideas and tools to use in response.

"Cyberbullying is defined as 'willful and repeated harm through electronic media,' explained [Randi] Boyette, assistant regional director for the ADL in Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware. 'The impact is not one incident, the impact is magnified' because of the immediate and widespread nature of e-mail and mobile phones."

Cyberbullying often goes unreported because young people don't want to have computers and phones taken away or be forced to delete accounts from on-line social networking sites like MySpace. Recent studies have also shown that, though boys have traditionally been more likely to be bullies, there are increasing incidents of girls bullying each other. Read more at JewishExponent.com.

Learn more ways to help your troubled teen by reading our articles for parents of troubled teens. Find more articles about bullying and other issues today's teens face.

Labels: cell_phones, cyberbulling, email, teens

Most teenagers seemed to have their cell phones permanently attached to their hands and ears. During prom season, parents can use that to their benefit, but staying in touch with kids and making sure they know who they're with and what they're doing.

"Most phones come with cameras, and some parents should tell their teens not only to call, but also to send a photo of a landmark once they get to a destination[Terry Blinke, Dow High's Prom President] said."

Some kids may think it's a little over-the-top, but things like underage drinking are real risks during prom season. Make sure your teen knows that you simply want to make sure she's safe, but that you also want her to have fun. Read more at OurMidland.com.

Labels: cell_phones, prom, safety

Staying up late or wanting to stay up later, is natural for teens. But recent studies have found that some teens are staying so late so often that they're at risk of sleep deprivation. The cause? Text messages.

"Nearly a quarter of teens in a relationship have communicated with a boyfriend or girlfriend hourly between midnight and 5 a.m. via cell phone or texting, according to a recent online survey by Teenage Research Unlimited. One in six communicated 10 or more times an hour through the night."

Because text messages are sent and received via cell phones, teenagers can do it without their parents ever knowing. Because so many teens have busy lives, late night texting is often the only way they can are able to catch up with their friends. Still, many cell phone service providers encourage parents to be aware of, and limit, the amount of time their teens spend texting. Read more online.

Labels: cell_phones, sleep_deprivation, text_messaging