---
title: "Why Texting Rules: The Silver Lining Parents Are Missing"
description: Depending on your perspective & willingness to accept new means of communication, texting can be used as an advantage for digital parenting
image: https://resources.uknowkids.com/hs-fs/hub/176530/file-678731921.jpg?t=1397834197000
---

[![uKnowKids - Smart Tools for Digital Parents](https://resources.uknowkids.com/hs-fs/hubfs/weekly-newsletters/logos/uknowkids_logo_400.png?width=400&height=99&name=uknowkids_logo_400.png "uKnowKids - Smart Tools for Digital Parents")](http://www.uknowkids.com)

[Menu**](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/why-texting-rules-the-silver-lining-parents-are-missing#)

![](https://resources.uknowkids.com/hs-fs/hub/176530/file-678731921.jpg?t=1397834197000)

Texting can be regarded positively or [negatively](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/bid/159147/Kids-Safety-What-To-Do-When-There-s-Too-Much-Texting) in a household. Learn how to see the silver lining of texting and end up using it as a [tool for digital parenting](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/in-defense-of-texting-my-favorite-parenting-tool). This article was originally published on The Huffington Post by John Duffy.

My son George, my one and only child, is now an 18-year-old man. In a few short months, we will be dropping him off at college. He's busy focusing on his senior year in high school. That moment hugging his Mom and I goodbye on some quad a few months from now isn't remotely on his radar. For him, it's just some hazy, remote construct of a distant future.

But my wife Julie and I sense that hourglass emptying, that moment approaching in double time. We take turns being upbeat and distraught, our scripts ranging from how exciting this next chapter will be for him and how ready he is, to how quiet and dead this house will feel come September. We are both working overtime to be available to every moment with him, every swim meet, awards ceremony, late night talk, even silent breakfast. We drink him in, knowing soon, this iteration of our lives together ends.

Now, today is Saturday, and after sleeping in, I thought George and I might grab a sandwich, a frequent weekend tradition for us.

But today, he had plans with his buddies. He jumped in the shower, grabbed car keys and bounced. Of course, that's how it should be: a guy should spend Saturday having a good time with his buddies, not hanging around with Dad. That would have been my last choice at 18 too. Still, as he pulled away, I swear I could hear the opening notes of "Cat's in the Cradle" swelling gently in the background. Lump in my throat, I made alternate plans. I began to work, distractedly, in silence.

An hour later, my cell buzzed. We psychologists don't typically like when our phones alert us. Rarely do people reach out to their therapist with good news.

I was relieved to see it was a quick little text from George, a joke from one of his friends he wanted me to hear.

A while after that, he texted a single line update on his plans for the day. An hour later, I sent him a link to a story highlighting an ongoing inside joke. He sent back a "Haha!"

From the outside, this may all seem like benign chatter, distraction, a waste of time. This is where we are so very mistaken.

I do a lot of work with teenagers and their parents. Many of my parent clients lament the texting culture. Their kids don't talk to them anymore. They're always looking at that damn phone. They're [butchering the language](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/bid/159168/MTV-Poll-Says-Kids-Language-Worse-Online-Sexting). They use texting to avoid me.

To my thinking, these parents are all missing the bigger picture. Texting with your kids can be a very, very good thing if you allow it to be. It is an excellent way to make a connection, touch base for a moment, make a mark or a point, briefly, without helicopter-ing. It provides a really great boundary between older kids and parents, allowing a wider berth of freedom, trust and connection than most any other techie advance to date.

Of course, some parents feel texting is far too impersonal, lacking the tonal nuance and subtle cues of the voice, or the face. But remember for a moment how you felt about your parents, the tonal nuances, the subtle cues. Perhaps they drove you crazy, even drove you away. I suspect that texting, used sparingly, makes us less annoying.

And if we open ourselves up to the (certain and inevitable) possibilities, texting (and whatever replaces it in the future) will change the way we communicate with our kids for a lifetime. And consider this: I find that kids communicate more with their parents as a direct result of texting. Even the surliest of teens is likely to share more of her life with her parents than she would otherwise, way more.

My experience just today suggests that the text can be a most comforting, joyful touchstone.

Further, texting circumvents the bounds of geography and convenience. For those of us with older, mobile kids, that's a big comfort and relief. I think our parents would have loved such access to us a generation back.

Now, I know one woman who refuses to text with her adult children and grandchildren. She is offended by the very idea of it, asserting, "If they want to talk to me, they can pick up the phone and call."

That's a quaint notion, I suppose. But her stubbornness more often than not results in a dearth of any communication whatsoever, radio silence. No updates on work or dance recitals. No checking in to see how she's doing. No quick "I love you." She has, in effect, removed herself from the familial grid.

As parents, we have to remember that our children were raised with texting as the norm for communication. It's absurd that we call their smartphones phones at all. Ask anyone younger than 20 when they last made a personal phone call, one that lasted more than a minute or two. It just doesn't happen anymore. I'm still trying to convince this woman to grasp and accept this reality, and to allow texting to enrich, not replace, her other communication with her family.

Because we change with the times. And[ if we're smart](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/bid/334595/Use-Your-Parental-Intelligence-to-Parent-Smarter-Not-Harder), we benefit from the change. Just now, George just sent me a short video of he and his buddies. And just like that, the future feels a tad brighter, more connected, more hopeful.

"Thx, G. Luv u, Dad."

Depending on your perspective and willingness to accept this concept, texting can be an advantage for modern parenting. Use [uKnowKids' digital parenting tool](https://www.uknowkids.com/) to become even more connected to your teen's digital world and ensure their online safety!

The Huffington Post article can be accessed [here.](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-duffy-psyd/why-texting-rules_b_4893593.html?utm_hp_ref=parents-families-tech)

                         [![Get Started with a 30 Day Free Trial of uKnowKids!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/176530/17e9ca4f-10ba-417b-93ae-f10e6708eb20.png "Get Started with a 30 Day Free Trial of uKnowKids!")](http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/176530/17e9ca4f-10ba-417b-93ae-f10e6708eb20)                  

We are pleased to announce that Bark will be taking over where we leave off. The uKnowKids mission to protect digital kids will live on with Bark. Our team will be working closely with Bark’s team in the future, so that we can continue making the digital world a safer, better place for kids and their families. While we are disappointed we could not complete this mission independently, we are also pleased to hand the uKnowKids baton to Bark.

[![Try Bark's award-winning  monitoring service free for 7 days](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/176530/72c26f9f-b26d-439e-9378-e62ef47539b2.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/176530/72c26f9f-b26d-439e-9378-e62ef47539b2)

### Subscribe to Email Updates

### Recent Posts

### Posts by Topic

- [Parental Intelligence (626)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/parental-intelligence)
- [Internet Safety (412)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/internet-safety)
- [digital parenting (381)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/digital-parenting)
- [social media (286)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/social-media)
- [cyberbullying (226)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cyberbullying)
- [Digital Parenting Tips (199)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/digital-parenting-tips)
- [Facebook (176)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook)
- [Mobile Phones/Apps (174)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/mobile-phonesapps)
- [Spying vs Engaging (170)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/spying-vs-engaging)
- [prevention (142)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/prevention)
- [sexting (109)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/sexting)
- [parental monitoring (104)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/parental-monitoring)
- [other social networks (100)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/other-social-networks)
- [child app (99)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/child-app)
- [Social Trends (94)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/social-trends)
- [instagram (91)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/instagram)
- [online predators (88)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/online-predators)
- [twitter (88)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/twitter)
- [Privacy & Reputation (86)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/privacy-reputation)
- [dangers & safety (84)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/dangers-safety)
- [For Parents (83)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/for-parents)
- [iPhone (77)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/iphone)
- [Android (72)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/android)
- [kids & technology (63)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/kids-technology)
- [texting (61)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/texting)
- [health & wellbeing (56)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/health-wellbeing)
- [facts & stats (53)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facts-stats)
- [positive parenting practices (51)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/positive-parenting-practices)
- [Teens (49)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/teens)
- [identity theft (47)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/identity-theft)
- [communication (45)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/communication)
- [internet safety resources (45)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/internet-safety-resources)
- [location monitoring (39)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/location-monitoring)
- [victims of cyberbullying (38)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/victims-of-cyberbullying)
- [anti-cyberbullying (37)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/anti-cyberbullying)
- [online privacy (36)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/online-privacy)
- [For Tweens & Teens (35)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/for-tweens-teens)
- [bullying (31)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/bullying)
- [digital trends (31)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/digital-trends)
- [monitoring (31)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/monitoring)
- [Laws & Legislation (30)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/laws-legislation)
- [oversharing (29)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/oversharing)
- [social media cyberbullying (29)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/social-media-cyberbullying)
- [Online & Console Gaming (27)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/online-console-gaming)
- [dangers (26)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/dangers)
- [school (26)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/school)
- [Snapchat (25)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/snapchat)
- [child predator methods (25)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/child-predator-methods)
- [other social media sites (25)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/other-social-media-sites)
- [addictions (24)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/addictions)
- [online safety tips (24)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/online-safety-tips)
- [Cellphone Rules & Safety (23)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cellphone-rules-safety)
- [uKnowKids (22)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/uknowkids)
- [parental mobile controls (19)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/parental-mobile-controls)
- [texting and driving (19)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/texting-and-driving)
- [tweens (19)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/tweens)
- [bullycide (18)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/bullycide)
- [most concerning for parents (18)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/most-concerning-for-parents)
- [dangerous apps (16)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/dangerous-apps)
- [monitoring apps (16)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/monitoring-apps)
- [peer pressure (16)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/peer-pressure)
- [Photo & Image Sharing (15)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/photo-image-sharing)
- [Steve Woda (15)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/steve-woda)
- [privacy (13)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/privacy)
- [texting rules & safety (13)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/texting-rules-safety)
- [YouTube (12)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/youtube)
- [bad behavior (12)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/bad-behavior)
- [behavior (12)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/behavior)
- [entertainment industry (12)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/entertainment-industry)
- [cyberbullying prevention (11)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cyberbullying-prevention)
- [social apps (11)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/social-apps)
- [Consequences of Cyberbullying (9)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/consequences-of-cyberbullying)
- [Devices (9)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/devices)
- [GPS Monitoring (9)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/gps-monitoring)
- [catfishing (9)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/catfishing)
- [social issues (9)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/social-issues)
- [Lingo & Slang (8)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/lingo-slang)
- [Selfies (8)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/selfies)
- [ask.fm (8)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/askfm)
- [flirting & sexting (8)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/flirting-sexting)
- [geotagging (8)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/geotagging)
- [national bullying prevention month (8)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/national-bullying-prevention-month)
- [netiquette (8)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/netiquette)
- [parenting styles (8)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/parenting-styles)
- [Child ID (7)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/child-id)
- [Facebook for kids (7)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-for-kids)
- [MySpace (7)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/myspace)
- [Positive Apps (7)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/positive-apps)
- [Tech-Free Zones (7)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/tech-free-zones)
- [apps for sexting (7)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/apps-for-sexting)
- [child id theft (7)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/child-id-theft)
- [dangerous games (7)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/dangerous-games)
- [kid apps (7)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/kid-apps)
- [kids and cellphones (7)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/kids-and-cellphones)
- [password protection (7)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/password-protection)
- [trust both ways (7)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/trust-both-ways)
- [Big Data (6)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/big-data)
- [Cell Phone Rules & Safety (6)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cell-phone-rules-safety)
- [Kids Apps (6)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/kids-apps)
- [apps (6)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/apps)
- [blogging (6)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/blogging)
- [discipline (6)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/discipline)
- [internet safety tips (6)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/internet-safety-tips)
- [uKnow (6)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/uknow)
- [underage users (6)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/underage-users)
- [vine (6)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/vine)
- [Creativity Apps (5)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/creativity-apps)
- [Victims (5)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/victims)
- [Youth Risk Behavior (5)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/youth-risk-behavior)
- [cellphone rules and safety (5)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cellphone-rules-and-safety)
- [distracted driving (5)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/distracted-driving)
- [impact on health (5)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/impact-on-health)
- [military life (5)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/military-life)
- [social media news (5)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/social-media-news)
- [teen privacy (5)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/teen-privacy)
- [tumblr (5)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/tumblr)
- [video sexting (5)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/video-sexting)
- [Digital Footprints and PII (4)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/digital-footprints-and-pii)
- [Online parenting (4)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/online-parenting)
- [Texting Trends (4)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/texting-trends)
- [Web Cams (4)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/web-cams)
- [anti-sexting (4)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/anti-sexting)
- [cellphones rules & safety (4)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cellphones-rules-safety)
- [college admission (4)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/college-admission)
- [eBook (4)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/ebook)
- [facebook bullying (4)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-bullying)
- [internet scams (4)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/internet-scams)
- [steps kids take to stop spying (4)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/steps-kids-take-to-stop-spying)
- [terminology (4)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/terminology)
- [warning signs (4)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/warning-signs)
- [wearables (4)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/wearables)
- [Digital Safety for Kids (3)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/digital-safety-for-kids)
- [Health Issues (3)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/health-issues)
- [Homework Apps (3)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/homework-apps)
- [Location Monitoring Apps (3)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/location-monitoring-apps)
- [Xbox (3)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/xbox)
- [child identity theft (3)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/child-identity-theft)
- [college admissions (3)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/college-admissions)
- [cyber stalking (3)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cyber-stalking)
- [internet security (3)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/internet-security)
- [monitoring online activity (3)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/monitoring-online-activity)
- [online predator (3)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/online-predator)
- [research & statistics (3)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/research-statistics)
- [teacher sexting (3)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/teacher-sexting)
- [text bombing (3)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/text-bombing)
- [uKnowKids eBook (3)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/uknowkids-ebook)
- [video games (3)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/video-games)
- [Data Breach (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/data-breach)
- [Driving/Speed Monitoring (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/drivingspeed-monitoring)
- [Financial ID Theft (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/financial-id-theft)
- [Foursquare (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/foursquare)
- [Home Security (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/home-security)
- [In the News (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/in-the-news)
- [Pinterest (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/pinterest)
- [Ricki Lake (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/ricki-lake)
- [Sex Offender Registeries (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/sex-offender-registeries)
- [Tim Woda, (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/tim-woda)
- [Victims of ID Theft (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/victims-of-id-theft)
- [Yik Yak (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/yik-yak)
- [cell phone monitoring (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cell-phone-monitoring)
- [cyberbullying app (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cyberbullying-app)
- [cyberbullying ebook (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cyberbullying-ebook)
- [digital family (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/digital-family)
- [digital parents (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/digital-parents)
- [facebook safety (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-safety)
- [how to report (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/how-to-report)
- [internet safety for kids (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/internet-safety-for-kids)
- [kids safety (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/kids-safety)
- [laws & regulations (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/laws-regulations)
- [military appreciation month (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/military-appreciation-month)
- [online bullying (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/online-bullying)
- [online reputation (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/online-reputation)
- [sexting prevention (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/sexting-prevention)
- [slideshare (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/slideshare)
- [social media infographic (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/social-media-infographic)
- [social network for kids (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/social-network-for-kids)
- [social network monitoring (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/social-network-monitoring)
- [spy gadgets (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/spy-gadgets)
- [spying software (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/spying-software)
- [technology (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/technology)
- [texting while driving (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/texting-while-driving)
- [twitter party (2)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/twitter-party)
- [10 ways to protect your kids from catfishing (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/10-ways-to-protect-your-kids-from-catfishing)
- [Ambassador Program (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/ambassador-program)
- [App Store (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/app-store)
- [Audrie's Law (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/audries-law)
- [Bark (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/bark)
- [Bring Your Own Device to School (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/bring-your-own-device-to-school)
- [Burnbook.com (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/burnbookcom)
- [CNN (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cnn)
- [Cell phone for kids (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cell-phone-for-kids)
- [Digital Safety Rules (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/digital-safety-rules)
- [Dora the Explorer (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/dora-the-explorer)
- [Empty Case Challenge (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/empty-case-challenge)
- [FBI Child ID (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/fbi-child-id)
- [FBI cyberbullying (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/fbi-cyberbullying)
- [FBI on cyberbullying (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/fbi-on-cyberbullying)
- [FOX (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/fox)
- [Facebook Photo Sharing (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-photo-sharing)
- [Facebook and Twitter (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-and-twitter)
- [Facebook anti-cyberbullying feature (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-anti-cyberbullying-feature)
- [Facebook crime prevention (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-crime-prevention)
- [Facebook cyberbullying app (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-cyberbullying-app)
- [Facebook feature change (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-feature-change)
- [Facebook for teens (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-for-teens)
- [Facebook lingo (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-lingo)
- [Facebook look-back (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-look-back)
- [Facebook not cool anymore (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-not-cool-anymore)
- [Facebook privacy checkup (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-privacy-checkup)
- [Facebook safety features (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-safety-features)
- [Facebook terminology (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-terminology)
- [Find My Kids (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/find-my-kids)
- [Flickr (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/flickr)
- [Highlights Kids (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/highlights-kids)
- [Impossible (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/impossible)
- [Instagram privacy (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/instagram-privacy)
- [Jake's Law (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/jakes-law)
- [Keek (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/keek)
- [Kenneth Weishuhn Jr (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/kenneth-weishuhn-jr)
- [Kim Kardashian ID Theft (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/kim-kardashian-id-theft)
- [Liane Cassavoy (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/liane-cassavoy)
- [LinkedIn (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/linkedin)
- [MTV (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/mtv)
- [Managing peer pressure (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/managing-peer-pressure)
- [Map App (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/map-app)
- [McAfee (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/mcafee)
- [McAfee Teens and Screens Study (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/mcafee-teens-and-screens-study)
- [Melinda Dennehy (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/melinda-dennehy)
- [Military (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/military)
- [Mobil (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/mobil)
- [Mobile (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/mobile)
- [Monitoring Internet activity (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/monitoring-internet-activity)
- [National Geographic Kids (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/national-geographic-kids)
- [Navigation Apps (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/navigation-apps)
- [Nextdoor (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/nextdoor)
- [Nickelodeon The Big Help (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/nickelodeon-the-big-help)
- [Northern Virginia Magazine (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/northern-virginia-magazine)
- [PBS Kids (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/pbs-kids)
- [Pew Internet Survey (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/pew-internet-survey)
- [Pheed (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/pheed)
- [Photobucket (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/photobucket)
- [Rebecca Ann Sedwick (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/rebecca-ann-sedwick)
- [SecuraFone (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/securafone)
- [Shots of Me (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/shots-of-me)
- [Skype (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/skype)
- [SocialToaster (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/socialtoaster)
- [Sony hacked (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/sony-hacked)
- [Sportlobster (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/sportlobster)
- [Suessville (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/suessville)
- [TIME for Kids (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/time-for-kids)
- [The Social Network Show (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/the-social-network-show)
- [Tim Woda on the Ricki Lake Show (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/tim-woda-on-the-ricki-lake-show)
- [Troll (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/troll)
- [Video Gaming (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/video-gaming)
- [Yahoo! Kids (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/yahoo-kids)
- [YouTube news (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/youtube-news)
- [YouTube replacing news (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/youtube-replacing-news)
- [YouTube safety (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/youtube-safety)
- [Zev Goldstein (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/zev-goldstein)
- [adult bullying (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/adult-bullying)
- [age to get kid a cell phone (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/age-to-get-kid-a-cell-phone)
- [analog parents (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/analog-parents)
- [anti-cyberbullying laws (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/anti-cyberbullying-laws)
- [anti-sexting campaign (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/anti-sexting-campaign)
- [back to school (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/back-to-school)
- [back to school safety (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/back-to-school-safety)
- [bullycide eBook (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/bullycide-ebook)
- [burglary (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/burglary)
- [burnbook (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/burnbook)
- [cell phone at sleepovers (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cell-phone-at-sleepovers)
- [cell phone contract (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cell-phone-contract)
- [cell phone safety (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cell-phone-safety)
- [cheating at school (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cheating-at-school)
- [child's first cell phone (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/childs-first-cell-phone)
- [cyber bullying on the internet (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cyber-bullying-on-the-internet)
- [cyberbully victim (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cyberbully-victim)
- [cyberbullying and depression (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cyberbullying-and-depression)
- [cyberbullying facts (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cyberbullying-facts)
- [cyberbullying laws (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cyberbullying-laws)
- [cyberbullying statistics (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cyberbullying-statistics)
- [cyberbullying suicide (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cyberbullying-suicide)
- [cyberbullying victims (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cyberbullying-victims)
- [cyberstalking (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/cyberstalking)
- [dangerous trends (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/dangerous-trends)
- [deployment (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/deployment)
- [digital dangers (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/digital-dangers)
- [digital dangers eBook (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/digital-dangers-ebook)
- [digital parenting tools (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/digital-parenting-tools)
- [distracted driving apps (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/distracted-driving-apps)
- [distracted driving awareness (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/distracted-driving-awareness)
- [distracted driving awareness month (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/distracted-driving-awareness-month)
- [distracted driving laws (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/distracted-driving-laws)
- [do girls text more than boys (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/do-girls-text-more-than-boys)
- [eduhookups (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/eduhookups)
- [facebook and the college admission (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-and-the-college-admission)
- [facebook cyberbullying (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-cyberbullying)
- [facebook monitoring (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-monitoring)
- [facebook under 13 (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/facebook-under-13)
- [family safety (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/family-safety)
- [first cell phone (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/first-cell-phone)
- [first cell phones (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/first-cell-phones)
- [foster kids (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/foster-kids)
- [games (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/games)
- [gaming addiction (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/gaming-addiction)
- [gaming and depression (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/gaming-and-depression)
- [gaming safety (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/gaming-safety)
- [gaming teens and parents (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/gaming-teens-and-parents)
- [girls text more than boys (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/girls-text-more-than-boys)
- [girls who game (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/girls-who-game)
- [google plus (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/google-plus)
- [google+ (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/google)
- [gps location kids (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/gps-location-kids)
- [gps monitor (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/gps-monitor)
- [graph search (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/graph-search)
- [hashtags (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/hashtags)
- [helping young children through deployment (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/helping-young-children-through-deployment)
- [how to end Facebook cyberbullying (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/how-to-end-facebook-cyberbullying)
- [how to make a cell phone contract for kids (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/how-to-make-a-cell-phone-contract-for-kids)
- [how to teach kids internet safety (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/how-to-teach-kids-internet-safety)
- [iCurfew (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/icurfew)
- [iPhone contract (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/iphone-contract)
- [ibitz (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/ibitz)
- [identity theft infographic (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/identity-theft-infographic)
- [identity theft protection (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/identity-theft-protection)
- [identity theft protection services (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/identity-theft-protection-services)
- [infographic (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/infographic)
- [internet safety month (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/internet-safety-month)
- [keeping kids safe online (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/keeping-kids-safe-online)
- [kids first facebook (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/kids-first-facebook)
- [kids using smartphones (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/kids-using-smartphones)
- [live offline (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/live-offline)
- [memes (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/memes)
- [military families Skype (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/military-families-skype)
- [mobile app (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/mobile-app)
- [mobile monitoring (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/mobile-monitoring)
- [mobile phone monitoring (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/mobile-phone-monitoring)
- [news sites for teens (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/news-sites-for-teens)
- [online safety (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/online-safety)
- [online video games (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/online-video-games)
- [parental control software (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/parental-control-software)
- [parental controls (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/parental-controls)
- [parental intelligence system (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/parental-intelligence-system)
- [parental intelligence systems (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/parental-intelligence-systems)
- [parental monitoring software (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/parental-monitoring-software)
- [parenting blog (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/parenting-blog)
- [parents texting (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/parents-texting)
- [pedometer for kids (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/pedometer-for-kids)
- [phone contract (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/phone-contract)
- [photo sharing (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/photo-sharing)
- [popular apps (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/popular-apps)
- [prescription drug abuse (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/prescription-drug-abuse)
- [privacy checkup tool (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/privacy-checkup-tool)
- [revenge porn (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/revenge-porn)
- [screen addiction (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/screen-addiction)
- [selfie (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/selfie)
- [selfie deaths (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/selfie-deaths)
- [selfie song (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/selfie-song)
- [sex offender monitoring apps (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/sex-offender-monitoring-apps)
- [sexting eBook (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/sexting-ebook)
- [sharing information (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/sharing-information)
- [smart phone (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/smart-phone)
- [smart watches (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/smart-watches)
- [smartphone safety (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/smartphone-safety)
- [snapchat and sexting (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/snapchat-and-sexting)
- [socail media (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/socail-media)
- [social network (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/social-network)
- [social network cyberbullying (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/social-network-cyberbullying)
- [social networking sites (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/social-networking-sites)
- [social networks for kids (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/social-networks-for-kids)
- [spillit (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/spillit)
- [summer camp (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/summer-camp)
- [summer camp tech policies (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/summer-camp-tech-policies)
- [summer cyberbullying (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/summer-cyberbullying)
- [teacher sexting student (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/teacher-sexting-student)
- [teachers and cyberbullying (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/teachers-and-cyberbullying)
- [teachers sexting (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/teachers-sexting)
- [tech gadgets for kids (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/tech-gadgets-for-kids)
- [tech-free zone (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/tech-free-zone)
- [technology and attention spans (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/technology-and-attention-spans)
- [technology and lack of sleep (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/technology-and-lack-of-sleep)
- [technology and obesity (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/technology-and-obesity)
- [technology and sleep (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/technology-and-sleep)
- [teens addicted to technology (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/teens-addicted-to-technology)
- [teens oversharing (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/teens-oversharing)
- [teens who play online games (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/teens-who-play-online-games)
- [tinder app (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/tinder-app)
- [uKnow Mobile (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/uknow-mobile)
- [uKnow SocialToaster (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/uknow-socialtoaster)
- [uknowkids free (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/uknowkids-free)
- [uknowkids twitter party (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/uknowkids-twitter-party)
- [unplugging (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/unplugging)
- [video game depression (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/video-game-depression)
- [video game ratings (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/video-game-ratings)
- [video game statistics (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/video-game-statistics)
- [video game violence (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/video-game-violence)
- [vulgar language online (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/vulgar-language-online)
- [wearable technology (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/wearable-technology)
- [youth obesity rates (1)](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/topic/youth-obesity-rates)

[see all](https://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/why-texting-rules-the-silver-lining-parents-are-missing#)

[![uKnowKids - Smart Tools for Digital Parents](https://resources.uknowkids.com/hs-fs/hubfs/weekly-newsletters/logos/uknowkids_logo_400.png?width=400&height=99&name=uknowkids_logo_400.png "uKnowKids - Smart Tools for Digital Parents")](http://www.uknowkids.com)

Copyright

**uKnowKids** 2026