To go with Asia-telecom-SMS-technology-Internet by Martin Abbugao This photo, taken on June 21, 2012, shows a person using a mobile phone touch screen keypad to write a text message in Singapore. Text messaging, the humble telecoms service that turned into a global phenomenon, is under threat from free smartphone services and operators need to find alternative revenue streams, analysts say. AFP PHOTO / ROSLAN RAHMAN (Photo credit should read ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/GettyImages)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Once upon a time, teens coveted landline phones. They came in the shape of lips, footballs and some even lit up when they rang.
Nowadays, most teens carry their very own cell phone in their pocket. They still come in all shapes and sizes, but actually talking on the phone is secondary to texting.
All that texting can get expensive for parents. Unlimited plans range from $10 to $20 depending on carrier, but the price may be worth it.
Teens have caught on to parents supervising their cell use and as most teens tend to do, they have figured out a way around it.
Teens can download apps like Google Voice and Text+ that allow them to text seemingly unsupervised.
In addition to checking your teen's phone for text messages that may not be appropriate, parents should also comb through the apps your teen has downloaded.
Keeping up with your teens digital habits will make sure everyone lives happily ever after.
Here's a list of free text apps available for iPhone and Android.
First Coast News