Research shows text language can improve children's literacy
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New research shows children who regularly use text abbreviations such as LOL (laughing out loud), plz (please) and xxx (kisses) may be better at spelling and reading.
The study shows that the use of text language increases as children get older, revealing that more sophisticated literacy skills are required for "textism" use.
Experts have previously warned the increased use of text abbreviations could impact on a child's ability to grasp the English language.
"If we are seeing a decline in literacy standards among young children, it is in spite of text messaging, not because of it" Dr Clare Wood, Coventry University
Texting could help a child's learning
Journalist John Humphrys has even described texters as "vandals who are trying to do to the language what Ghenghis Khan did to his neighbours 800 years ago."
But the study disputes this argument, showing that a child's level of "textism" could be used to predict their reading ability and "phonological awareness" - the ability to detect, isolate and manipulate patterns of sound in speech.
Dr Clare Wood, who carried out the research at Coventry University, said: "We were surprised to learn that not only was the association strong, but that textism use was actually driving the development of phonological awareness and reading skill in children.
"Texting also appears to be a valuable form of contact with written English for many children, which enables them to practice reading and spelling on a daily basis."
The research team now hope their work will instil a change in attitude in teachers and parents - recognising the potential to use text-based exercises to engage children in phonological awareness activities.
"We suggest that children's use of textisms is far from problematic. If we are seeing a decline in literacy standards among young children, it is in spite of text messaging, not because of it," Dr Wood said.
