While giving us a new way to communicate, the world of IM has also given usa new language. IM (instant messaging), IMs (the messages themselves), IMing (sending IM messages), and its past-tense form IMed are now verbs and nouns commonly found in our children’s vocabularies. IM’s extensive lingo is based on an ever-growing list of acronyms (POS = parent over shoulder, LOL = laughing out loud, BRB = be right back, L8R = later), icons such as smiley faces and frowns to express emotions, and deliberate misspellings.

Instant messaging has become the high-tech version of passing notes, as students with computer access in the classroom use the Internet to zip messages to each other during the school day. Kids also IM each other while doing homework, some even getting help on assignments they should be completing independently.

At the same time that IM has become ubiquitous among tween and teens, few parents understand IM technology or exactly what their kids spend all that IM time doing. Concerned parents worry about the endless hours racked up in front of the computer screen. Frustrated parents are finding it harder and harder to manage their child's time online and ensure their safety on the internet.

Concerns About IMing

• IM is a Productivity Sink: Parents want their children’s time to be well spent, and instant messaging isn’t often perceived as productive or educational.
• IM Negatively Impacts Homework: Doing homework in a focused manner is essential to productive learning. IMing often interferes with single-minded concentration when it is done in tandem with computer based homework.
• IM Replaces Healthier Social Interactions: Communication on the phone or in person is considered “healthier” than IMing by many parents because the interaction is much more personal and meaningful, and fosters positive communication skills.
• The Facelessness of IM Promotes a Careless Disregard for Feelings: Teens use different words when they IM than when they talk. Many kids feel emboldened to say things in cyberspace that they wouldn’t say in person or on the phone – more often than not, causing hurt feelings and unproductive arguments, as well as diminished vocabulary and speaking skills
• IM Promotes Sedentary Behavior: Teens frequently turn to IMing when they are bored, reinforcing a sedentary lifestyle in the electric playground rather than engaging in more lively activities such as sports or hobbies.