Texts 'do not hinder literacy'

Pupils who send regular text messages may not be at risk of becoming poor readers and writers, reports the BBC.

"A Coventry University study of 35 11-year-olds found those who texted frequently also scored highly school tests and in standard spelling tests. The report may ease parents' concerns that texting might damage children's ability to use correct English.

... The researchers found those who texted frequently were also identified as strong readers and writers.

The research was presented at the annual conference of the British Psychological Society 's developmental section.

Other positive studies:

-- Texting teenagers are proving 'more literate than ever before'

-- E-Mail and Texting - Not at all bad

-- Texting 'is no bar to literacy'

-- Teacher finds novel way to use texting

But the general concensus until now, on cell phones and students' reading/writing skills, has so far been mostly negative:

-- Technology marches ahead, grammar gets worse

-- Y TEXTING MAYBE BAD 4 U

-- SMS Resulting in Poor English Grades?

-- SMS and Internet blamed for decline in English Examinations

-- SMS threatens Norwegian language say teachers

-- Teachers hung up on SMS

-- An essay written in text message shorthand

emily | 9:12 AM | SMS and Students |
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