SMS facts for kids
An SMS, which stands for Short Messaging Service, is a way to send text messages using mobile phones. Most people just call them 'text messages' or 'texts'. With SMS, you can send written messages from your phone to another person's phone.
What Are Text Messages?
Text messages are a common way to communicate without making a phone call. They are super handy when you need to send a quick note or when talking on the phone isn't possible. For example, you might send a text if you are in a quiet place like a library, or if you want to send something private that you don't want others nearby to hear.
How SMS Works
When you send a text, your phone sends it through a mobile network. Sometimes, text messages can be a bit slow to arrive. This is because phone networks usually give priority to phone calls. This means calls get to go through first, and text messages are sent after the calls are handled.
Message Length and Cost
There's a limit to how long a single text message can be. It can only have up to 160 characters. If your message is longer than that, it will be split into several smaller messages. For example, a very long text might be sent as two or three separate messages. You usually have to pay for each individual message that is sent. However, many mobile phone plans today offer unlimited texting, so you don't have to worry about counting characters!
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: Servicio de mensajes cortos para niños
