The communications medium of choice for minors is not e-mail, it is texting…and it has a language all its own.
English evolved into weblish for obvious reasons — just like mobile phones, weblish is convenient and efficient, and because of that its use is flourishing. Although it may seem awkward for some of us over 40 to understand it, it becomes intuitive once you spend some time around it….
Hi Mom, B4 tht I rly wnt 2 tlk 2U abt txtng. K? =)
If you are concerned about your children, it is critical that you learn to understand their language (weblish). It is expected that in the year 2010 1.8 trillion text messages will be sent worldwide and a recent survey revealed that 88% of teens with mobile phones text an average of 100 messages a day!
As Patrick Cox recently wrote in the July issue of the Breakthrough Technology Alert:
“My kids and their friends are so skilled that they can text to one another without even looking at their phones. At times, they use text to communicate privately even when they’re in the same room. If you weren’t looking for it, you probably wouldn’t notice it was happening. A recent survey reveals that 88% of teens with mobile phones text, averaging about 100 messages a day.”
They are more in touch with their friends and family than my generation ever was. Moreover, studies show that they are the most “literate” generation in history, using the written word for communication far more than any before them. Despite criticisms of text abbreviations and such, the evidence is that constant use of text does, in fact, increase writing skills. New problems, however, accompany these new benefits.”
Many parents find it very valuable to send & receive messages from their children when they are out of the house, so they have embraced using cell phones, superphones, and other mobile devices. But its not just parents that can send their children a text, pictures, or other data – so can everyone else. The increasing use of weblish and mobile devices (that are now just as powerful as laptop computers) presents risks for teens and children….
““Sexting” presents serious problems. Predators have used text messaging to lure unsuspecting minors. Also, courts are increasingly treating minors who send inappropriate materials, even to willing recipients, as child pornographers. Text bullying is also a problem that has produced felony charges. Parents are also concerned that their children are being targeted with information about access to alcohol or drugs. Overuse during school hours or at night can also present problems. According to Symantec research, 90% of parents are more concerned about the dangers of the digital world than they are about drugs and alcohol.”
There is, therefore, a real need for a means of overseeing text messaging, and many parents feel powerless when it comes to protecting their children in cyberspace. This is why we created and brought to market the ChildProtectOnline Mobile Phone Software. If your child owns or wants to own a cell phone, mobile device, or “superphone” you can still reap the benefits of these wonderful cyber devices by installing the tool that empowers you to protect them from cyberbullying, sexting, mobile phone predators, text rage and other inappropriate cyber activity.
To learn more about weblish and translate weblish into english visit some of these links:
Weblish Interpretation Resources:
http://www.noslang.com/ translates weblish slang into normal english
http://www.noslang.com/articles.php
http://www.all-acronyms.com/tag/internet_slang
F3XSNDS222WZ
