Provide guidance and set limits

Texting can be tricky even for adults. Talk to your teen about how the emotions behind a text can easily be misunderstood. You might encourage your teen to actually talk to friends, rather than always texting.

Set expectations for your teen's texting behavior and keep an eye on how your teen is using his or her phone or other devices or platforms to communicate. Sit down with your teen and look through text messages occasionally — or let your teen know that you'll periodically check his or her phone for content.

If your teen isn't following your rules or you're concerned that texting is interfering with your teen's schoolwork or other responsibilities, take action. You might set restrictions on your teen's phone use or simply take away the phone. Preventing potentially serious consequences outweighs any anger your teen is likely to express.