Texting Develops, Not Damages, Literacy Skills

Worried parents can at last let out a sigh of relief, for academics have claimed that text messaging, far from destroying kids" writing skills, could be a sign of superior literacy.

After examining the effect of texting on a group of children between 8 to 12 year olds, it was found that regular texters often possess sophisticated literacy skills.

Kids who text regularly have a high level of phonological awareness, an early developing skill that refers to the ability to detect, isolate and manipulate patterns of sound in speech.

“It is surprising to discover that texting skills developed phonological awareness and reading skill among children. Texting also appears to be a valuable form of contact with written English for many children, which enables them to practise reading and spelling on a daily basis," said researchers.