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Parents usually try to become “cool” parents, and try to trust their children regardless of what. In social media and texting, trust is often something parents can’t afford. In reality, it is the parent’s responsibility to watch their children’s online behavior.
Furthermore, it ensures they’re making use of the power of modern technology safely. Young Americans between the ages of 8-18 spend 24/7, on average, using a smartphone or computer, TV or another electronic device.
In addition, a recent study revealed that nearly 70% of teens utilize their mobile phones to text. Due to this, monitoring text messages is as crucial as keeping a close eye on children’s use of social media.
In the end, the possession of a child’s cell phone gives them permanent access to a mobile phone in the event of an emergency. And it allows parents to talk to their children throughout the day. However, there are bundle of dangers associated with texting.
Dangers of Secret Texting Among Kids:
Sexting:
A greater risk is the practice of sexting or transmitting or forwarding explicit sexually suggestive or illicit images from a phone or via the Internet.
Suppose images of this kind are uploaded and shared with children and are discovered or become viral for some reason. Then it is not just that a child has to deal with the implications of these images in a social context.
For instance, as they aren’t yet 18 years old as per the way that the law is written, they still will face the consequences. In addition, they’ll also be facing charges for the production and exchanging of pornography for teenagers.
Cyberbullying:
Due to the risk of strangers communicating with your child through text messages and cyberbullying, it is essential that parents carefully consider checking their children’s messages at the very least. They should do it until parents are sure their child is aware of the dangers of texting and is prepared to accept the responsibility of texting their own.
Texting Late at Night:
There are some dangers associated with texting that are more subtle than other types of texting. As an example, children could be texting with their friends while they ought to be working on their work or sleeping. This is a bad habit that could affect the ability of a child to perform at school. Another issue that children face can be “text thumb,” a repetitive strain wound because of repeatedly using fingers or thumbs when texting.
Texting while Driving:
Teenagers who are just learning to drive can fall prey to having a sense of overconfidence when driving. Typing and sending messages on your mobile phone requires your mind, eyes, and hands fully engaged.
When you text while driving, you’re not looking at the road. But teenagers don’t respect that and text while driving, which could cause a severe accident.
Online Predators:
It is said that the Internet is the most famous tool used by kid predators to find and build connections with young children. It is difficult to tell if a child has communicated with your kid unless you’re looking.
Bad Online Friends:
Some of your children’s peers try to persuade them to take things like shoplifting, drugs or commit other crimes in violation of the moral code your family follows. It’s time to discover what your child’s feelings are on the subject by discussing it in a non-biased manner (a newspaper article you read about the use of drugs, for example.)
Identification Fraud:
Because they are likely to disclose many details and information, it is easy for anyone to steal your child’s identity to establish accounts on credit cards or other fraud-related instances.
How to Protect Kids from these Dangers?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer on whether or not it’s okay to read your child’s text messages. It’s contingent on your child’s age, personality, and how they behave. It is essential to discuss responsible behavior when texting. Ensure they know that any message could be sent to an unintentional target audience. Texts which contain substances, sexting or other illicit activities can lead kids to get into real danger.
Install Parental Monitoring Software:
The best time to set rules for how the phone is monitored is right from the start when you are giving it to your child. It’s much easier to ease those rules while you go instead of introducing new rules.
You could always request to view their messages. If your children scream in terror, ask them why they’re not willing to consider their messages, and there’s likely nothing wrong with them. You can install parental monitoring software on the phone and then give it to them. Monitoring software will not only track their messages but also you can track mobile number call details, call recordings, GPS locations and much more remotely and secretly.
Set Limits on Screen Usage and Observe Internet Activities:
Parents who monitor their kids are more aware of their children’s time online and are more likely to form and restrict screen time. Children need to exercise and be active in their minds in different ways.
Suppose you believe that your child has a problem that isn’t being discussed, and you’re noticing changes in their behavior and appearance. In that case, you may have reasons. It is essential to purchase the best parental control software and monitor text activity.
Protect Personal Information:
Children unintentionally reveal more information about themselves and their locations than they need to and help make it easier for “digital strangers” to find them in the real world. Parents must teach them good cyber etiquettes and protect personal information.
Protect Your Child’s Reputation:
Certain items shouldn’t be published on the Internet because it could harm the image of your child and hinder their prospects from getting a job or college acceptance. Monitoring can alert you whether your child (or their peers) make a negative post.
Conclusion:
What’s the bottom thing to remember? Discuss acceptable behavior on your kid’s cell phone, spy text, set the appropriate consequences for any infractions, and be aware of your child’s behavior. Every parent is faced with this dilemma at some point or another concerning texts and Instagram posts.
If you choose to peek, take note of things that you’re not happy with – and you’ll have to decide which option to speak with the child with what they’ve observed. In addition, the SMS tracking app can help you set boundaries and allow remote monitoring.