The average teen send over 60 text messages a day.  With the growing dangers associated with text messaging and cyber bulling, we have to teach our children how to protect themselves.

Let’s face it texting is big. On a monthly basis the average teen under the age of 18 sends and receives approximately 2,779 texts combined. That’s over 100 text messages a day! Over the past year we have seen the horrific stories about sexting scandals, textual harassment and cyber bullying.
 
Kids are getting cell phones at a younger and younger age. Our children are exposed to a technological era that we as parents never had to deal with, and it’s a huge game changer in how our children interact with their peers and others.  The cell phone has morphed into a powerful device and gateway into our children’s personal lives with some major consequences.

According to the PEW Internet Poll of the teens who use texting primarily:

• Boys tend to receive on average 30 text messages per day while girls can receive up to 80 texts per day.
• Ages 12- 13 usually receive up to 20 texts per day
• Ages 14- 17 receive up to 60 texts per day
• Older girls ages 14- 17 tend to be the most avid texters sending on average 100 texts per day

This is why as parents have to ensure that our children use their cell phones safely and know how to protect themselves from textual harassment and don’t engage in sexting.
According to Eyal Yechezkell, CEO of PredictoMobile™ (the largest paid mobile texting company in the US), there are simple ways to protect against ”Textual Harassment.” 
 
6 Simple Tips to battle “Textual Harassment”
 

1. Don’t give out your cell phone number to strangers or acquaintances. Trust is key when handing over your digits.
2. If being provoked, or messaged by someone you do not trust,
   DON’T ANSWER THEM!  This will just incite them to keep contacting you.
3. If the problem should continue, contact your telephone service provider immediately to block the sender from your phone.
4. Save all messages, they will be essential if a complaint is filed (this can also be done through your cell phone provider electronically).
5. Change your number- your safety is more important than everyone knowing your cell phone number.
6. When all else fails, CALL THE POLICE or alert another authority figure.