Yeah, yeah, I know; the subject of texting is less than exciting. But I’ve decided to address it anyway. So there!
Texting is one of those topics that get many adults all hot-under-the-collar. They decry it as ending the fine art of communicating face-to-face, or even via the good ol’ telephone. And, they grumble, teenaged and twenty-somethings will develop permanent bowed necks from constantly texting away on their “smart” phones. Said teenagers and young adults, naturally, argue that texting is convenient, easy, and fun.
Frankly, I don’t see any point in moaning over a technology that’s probably a permanent aspect of our world; we may as well get used to it. However, I do think it could be better controlled, and to that end, I’d like to propose a short list of texting do’s and don’ts:
- Parents, don’t give a cell phone with texting capability to a child under the age of about 15. A frighteningly high percentage of children use texting as a tool for bullying, and this is causing endless grief in elementary and middle schools (I know, I’m a teacher). If you feel your child has to have a cell phone, get one without the texting feature.
- Don’t text under the table while you are 1) having a meal with a friend or relative, or 2) you are at a movie theater, play, or any other type of performance. At public performances the glow of your phone can bother sensitive people…. like me!
- Don’t leave the dinner table before the meal is over to text someone. Yes, I mean you, my son.
- Obviously, don’t EVER text while driving. EVER. EVER. Even if it’s not against the law in your (unenlightened) state.
- Don’t break up with your boy/girfriend via texting. That’s a very low-class, mean, rude thing to do.
Not too complicated, is it? And now, please excuse me; I have to go text a friend….
