Txting Tips
What is “texting”?
Texting is slang for text messaging or SMS (Short Message Service) – which allows an individual to use
their cell phone to send a short text message, generally of 160 characters or less, directly to another
individual’s cell phone. Texting has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Like email, instant messaging and social networking, texting is a popular new way for teens to communicate with
each other using technology. The first step to managing your teens texting is to fully understand what texting
is and how your teen uses the technology.
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Why do teens text?
According to a recent study, texting is as popular with teens as voice-to-voice calling – and many
think that texting will soon surpass voice-to-voice calling among this demographic. Teens say that they
enjoy texting because of its versatility, texting allows them to multitask, convey short messages quickly,
avoid voice-to-voice calling and have fun.
Read the related article
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How to do I send a text message?
To send a text message, select the text message icon from your phone interface. A screen will open allowing
you to enter text and the phone number you are sending the message to. Type in a message that is 160
characters or less. Select send when you have finished the message.
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How do I check my text messages?
If you navigate to your Message Center, where you pick up voicemails, there is generally a clear call out to
SMS or Text Messages which are often kept in an “Inbox.” New messages are frequently displayed as
a fraction of the total messages in your inbox. For example “Inbox – 1/25.” Keep an eye on
your total texts – because your inbox can fill up prohibiting you from receiving any more text messages!
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How do I fit my message within the 160-word character limit?
Check out the DTXTR Glossary or DTXTR Text Translator for help turning those long phrases (Are you coming?) into short, teen friendly texts (RU CMNG?)
Here are a few other texting tips:
- Use the phonetic pronunciation instead of the whole word ( are you = RU )
- Get creative using numbers ( before = B4 )
- Lose the vowels ( next = nxt )
- Avoid stringing terms together into contractions that are too long or confusing
- Keep it short by using text as a way to send a quick update, ask a fast question or send a reminder
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When I text my phone keeps finishing my words for me, and they’re not the right words. What do I do?
You probably have the T9 predictive texting enabled, which means your phone is trying to guess what word you’re typing
so it can automatically type it for you. Consult your owners manual for instructions on how to turn the T9 functionality off.
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I’ve started to receive texts from a company or organization, and no longer wish to receive them – what should I do?
All text messages should offer an “opt-out” option. Instructions for opting out should be in the text itself,
or clearly marked on a Web site promoted in the text.
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TXT Plans and Phones
How do I pick a text plan that’s right for my family?
Because the structure of every plan is different, LG recommends you check with your wireless carrier to see how texting is currently
handled on your plan and work with them to evaluate your historic use of text messages to determine the best plan for your needs
going forward. Questions to ask:
- How many texts do I get a month under my current plan?
- Am I charged for incoming and outgoing texts?
- Do the number of texts I’m given apply to each phone on the plan, or do texts from all phones count against the total allotment?
- Do texts sent at night or on the weekends count against my total?
- What’s the cost difference between different text plans you offer?
- How much do you charge for each text message that exceeds my monthly allotment?
- Given the number of texts sent from my plan over the last few months should I consider a different plan?
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How do I get charged for text messages?
You elect a text package that affords you a certain number of texts a month when you sign up for your wireless plan. Most carriers have
financial penalties per a text for exceeding the allotment that you’re given under your plan. Check out How do I pick a text
plan that’s right for my family?
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Can I send text messages if I don’t have a text plan?
Yes, but you may be charged per a text. Setting up a text plan will allow you to send a certain amount of text each month for a flat rate.
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What phones are the best for texting?
Most mobile phones have the ability to send a text message. Using a standard 12 key phone text messages can be sent by pressing numbers for corresponding letters. QWERTY phones (named for the top left row of a keyboard) lay out a full keyboard for easy and frequent texting or emailing. To browse LG phones by keyboard type visit the LG Phones page.
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Managing A Texting Teen
What are some of the benefits of using text to communicate with my teen?
- Keep up with your teen’s activities - 82% of teens think it’s easier to keep their parents up to date via text;
- Get a response – 73% of parents say their teens are more likely to respond to a text than other forms of communication;
- Let your teen know you're thinking of them in an unobtrusive way.
- Read the related article
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How can I control my teen’s texting?
Engage your teen in a conversation around text messaging and set limits, with consequences for failing to adhere to pre-established rules. You might consider:
- Going through your wireless bill with your teen and explaining the features of your plan;
- Setting a limit on the number of texts your teen can receive each month;
- Asking your teen to be financially responsible for texts over a certain pre-set limit;
- Turning off the text function of your wireless plan;
- Limiting when and where your teen is allowed to carry or use their phone – for example do not allow your
teen to carry their phone during school hours, or have their phone in their bedroom late at night.
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How many text messages is it reasonable to allow my teen each month?
A Nielsen study found that on average, teens send over 1,700 texts a month. Your monthly bill should show you how many texts have been sent by
each phone on your account. Take that data and sit down with your teen to talk about what a realistic limit should be on their usage within the
data plan you have selected. Read the related article
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Who is my teen texting with?
Text messages can be sent to other individuals with a mobile phone number amd an SMS enabled phone. Text messages and interaction can also occure between
individuals and organizations or businesses who have enabled text services. Having a conversation with your teen about who they are texting with
and guidlines for doing so is recommended.
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What are some safety tips for texting?
Talk to your teen about texting while driving – it is incredibly dangerous, and even against the law in some states. Teens should also be advised
to not ignore their surroundings while texting, tasks as simple as crossing the street can become dangerous when their head is down and they’re distracted.
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