Texting VS Writing: The Problem with Instant Messaging
Oct 26, 2006
Q: When is talking on your phone not talking? When it's texting!
At the ripe old age of 25 I thought myself to be fairly au courant — that my online skills weren't at all lacking, or needing of improvement. That is until I added my 13-year-old cousin to my messenger service. Every time I chatted with her online I revealed just how much of a dud I was, and continually had to ask her what acronyms like ROTFL meant (rolling on the floor laughing). Not to mention BRB, GTG, LOL TTYL-see side panel.
IM Lingo
- GTG— got to go
- BRB— be right back
- BBL— be back later
- L8R— later
- LOL— laughing out loud
- NP— no problem
- TTYL— talk to you later
- TTFN— ta ta for now
- ROFLOL— rolling on floor, laughing out loud
- OTP— on the phone
- JK— just kidding
- IMHO— in my humble opinion
- IMNSHO— in my not so humble opinion
This kid is only thirteen — how could she possibly be cooler than me? Where is she learning how to do all this stuff? Turns out, my cousin isn't the tech-wizard trailblazer that I originally thought. In fact, instant messaging is THE hottest communication method for the younger generations — almost any electronic device can be used to "text" a message to one's peeps (or people). Don't believe it? Turn on MTV or Much Music during one of the live request shows and watch as the side panels scroll along with what looks like the alphabet on crack. These kids know IM'ing — it's among their top social communication method.
Some kids have cell phones by the time they are in first grade. Before they can even spell, they can text their friends: WRU? [where are you?] or CUS [see you soon].
Call me old-fashioned, but I find this a little concerning.
Don't get me wrong, instant messaging is a great tool for social communication, but it can cause some serious issues the classroom, especially if your child is just developing writing/spelling/vocabulary skills. During the early education years, texting could be detrimental to proper language development. Here are some of the reasons why.
- Spelling — vocabulary is key skill in early education. The first grades are all about vocabulary lists, and spelling tests, not to mention sentence writing. Spelling can take a hit when kids, during this critical learning time, use short forms before they know the whole word, let alone how to spell it.
- Grammar — A big part of grammar is punctuation. It takes years to learn how to properly use it, and even then punctuation can be a landmine for mistakes. Online messaging has practically no punctuation, and is basically a grammar free-for-all.
- Complete Thoughts — another key skills that IM has a blatant disregard for is that of the complete, cohesive thought. The major challenge in writing is to be able to express an argument clearly as a complete thought: with a beginning, a middle and an end. One word sentences that are prevalent in IM don't help to develop the complete thought skill - they detract from it.
- Homework — it's hard enough to stay focused on homework without being distracted by the chiming alerts of a messaging system every few seconds. If your child struggles to complete his homework, be sure that he signs out of IM before he begins so that he can dedicate some uninterrupted time to focus on the task at hand: homework.
IM isn't all bad — I've been known to partake on occasion, when I just don't feel like talking. But then, I already have a firm grasp of our language and how it's used. Once kids develop strong language skills, then they can start learning all the variations, like IM — after all, it's a great social tool for staying in touch with friends — but it needs to be kept distinctly separate from proper language development.
So maybe my young cousin taught me a few things about IM (okay, she taught me everything I know) but when it comes time for her first university essay, I'm sure that I could show her a few things.
WDYT? [what do you think?]
In future articles, we'll talk about keeping an eye on IM chats (read monitoring), IM bullying and keeping your child's online profile free of personal information.
Comments(103)
Find this article online at: www.oxfordlearning.com/letstalk/2006/oct/26/texting-vs-writing-the-problem-with-instant-messag/
Gabby - Oct 22, 2007
I think thats crazy kids in first grade should not have a cell phone its harting them in good speking and in wrighting parents should not be geting there kids cell phones
Richard Hurtz - Oct 31, 2007
I think your a flipping genius. We should mate.
cheyenne - Nov 6, 2007
i think that kids should have cell phones when they are young thats the only way were they can be free and learn while they are young.
Dr. Phil - Dec 4, 2007
IMing is a great way for kids to get friends and endure mental abuse by elders seeking to hurt them =).
reader - Jan 16, 2008
yeah, texting can be damaging to the way people prepare their sentences and phrases, but although I use this while chatting to friends, doesn't necessarily mean I'll use this chat speak in a formal paper for grading. P.S some comments need to be watched.. XD
Joe - Oxford Learning - Jan 17, 2008
We do our best to limit comment moderation. I try to allow anything that isn't vulgar but I would agree those comments were borderline, offered little to the discussion and have been removed.
Thanks Reader.
Caitlin - Feb 10, 2008
I'm still 13. I don't have a cell phone and it's my fault. My teachers confiscated it from me several times because I use it during classes. I think that's my only problem when dealing with cell phones. I'm grounded from it. XP. It doesn't affect the way I write. DISCIPLINE. That's all it takes.
P.S.
Gabby's post (or should I say, spelling) is hilarious. Good job. =]]
Krystle - Mar 5, 2008
I agree. Texting is the newest craze, but I don't think it contributes to the high brow education society respects. I also think that people prefer to text because they can be in control of the conversation... "oh, I am sorry, I didn't get that text" or "I was away from my desk, don't be upset" instead of dealing with the issues that life gives. It is so much easier to hide behind a monitor, no matter the size.
wendy - Apr 2, 2008
I'm researching teens and communication through IM and Texting and wondered what do teens/preteens feel is more popular? IM or texting?
Leanne - Apr 10, 2008
I dont think its bad
ashlee - Apr 21, 2008
no it is no a bad thing to do you can actually have fun and meet new people
Buddy - Apr 23, 2008
Iming is the way to go as a communicater or for just having fun.
Phlegmatist - Apr 26, 2008
Gabby=
I think thats crazy kids in first grade should not have a cell phone its harting them in good speking and in wrighting parents should not be geting there kids cell phones
Are you serious? Did you have a phone as a baby then?
Francis - Apr 26, 2008
You are all a silly, you are all a wrong, opinions poor, spelling worse, grammar worse still.
Francis 4eva.
brap
Jenn - Jun 20, 2008
Wendy,
I am a Matsters in Literacy candidate researching this topic as well. I find it interesting that a child would even stumble upon this page...they'd have to be looking for it verifying that they are interested in IM-ing and texting and the effectsit may have on writing. I think that the point of this article is that language skill; reading, writing, speaking, and listening, are all skills we develop from the time we are born. In our primary years we start to build the foundations for literacy later and the earlier a child is texting and IM-ing, the earlier they will deveop bad habits. The debate could get ugly.
What I find most interesting is that the point of this is poor spelling, grammar usage, and "taking shortcuts" in writing. Almost every post on here has characteristics of texting or IM-ing, and it's obvious that the kids who've posted on here took shortcuts. Not saying it's bad...just interesting. What will they do when they have to write a resume? Or their first book report? IDK! :)
~Jenn
The Cat in The Hat - Jun 22, 2008
i love to txt
Miss B*t*h . - Aug 2, 2008
heyy peeps ,
im only 14 years old right now , and my parents wont gimmme a cell , which relly sux man ! . i txt 3vryday ! . i need 2 txt 3veryday ! . ef i downt , ill die ! . and teens should have cell phones , er theyll feel so bored while theyre @ home and have nothin 2 do , i do lawts of stuff while im on a cell phone , i txt , i go on the internert , i go on msn , i chekk my mail , listen 2 music , and all that . so here`s to the parents whose readin this , give yer teen a cell if they dont have one ! . us teens get bored easily ! . we dont have mutch to get us entertained ! . give us cell phones ! .
Cassidy - Aug 5, 2008
I got a cellphone in gr. 1. the reason my mom got it for me was cuz i didnt have an older sibling. so if i needed help i could just call my mom or dad. but she didnt buy me a new phone. i just used my dad's old phone.
Ashley Morris - Aug 17, 2008
I do not think kids in the first grade should have cell phones. It's ridiculous. I mean they cant even really talk or write but they know how to text and IM and do all that. Its not right. Parents need to hold off on giving their children cell phones until they are at least 15 years of age.
Rebecca Martinez - Aug 20, 2008
First grade is a bit early for a child to be owning a cell phone. I agree that it can hender their ability to learn to read and write properly. Most people when they text or IM another person use acronyms and if that is how a child in the first grade is learning to write, I believe it will affect they way they talk, read, and write
lyne - Sep 9, 2008
waht are some causes?yahh their is a big effect of texting
elycia - Sep 11, 2008
...wow. I'm amazed at the great punctuation and capitalization in a lot of these posts. Not to be rude, but I'm not sure some of these people should even be commenting on this.
Tom - Sep 18, 2008
I think that there are both right and wrongs on this issue. I personally did not get a phone till about 14 years old, and my brother and I shared it whenever we went somewhere with our friends. It was in case of an emergency only. I didn't get texting on my phone till 16. I text alot, and I IM every day of my life, but that does not mean I'll use improper grammar in my papers or do worse in school. I'm a straight A student and get very good grades in English class. There isn't really a problem with cell phones at young ages, and at 13 or 14 years old, as long as it's controlled and monitored. It should also be limited during the school week to ensure that they are doing their school work as a priority over texting and IMing.
Britney Spears. - Oct 2, 2008
hey ya'll whats up.
i have no idea what any of you
are all talking about :)
texting is the hot new fad.
Brooke - Oct 2, 2008
If the texting language is to be accepted into the English language, we might as well start teaching children to talk that way as well. Doesn't make sense, does it?
Kyler - Oct 8, 2008
kids should absolutely not be allowed to have cell phones at such a young age. The U.S. test scores for spelling and writing are low enough as it is, and has steadily declined in the past decade as texting has become increasingly popular. But that's just a coincidence, right? hmmm...don't think so.
Jebria Burks - Oct 8, 2008
ReaLLY ummm KIDZ SHOULD BE ABLE TO EXPRESS THEM SELVES A CELL PHONE AND TEXTING IZ JUST ANOTHA WAY OF COMMUNICATION
Steve Campbell - Oct 14, 2008
Texting and IM has its uses, but I agree with the comment that it is not condusive to enlightend thought processess. It is really just an easy and perhaps lazy way to communicate. The fundementals of proper language usage should be a priority. What happened to the old fashioned way of communication through conversation and God forbid; writing a letter.
As for the individuals who say they need a cell phone because they are bored might try reading a book; if they know how.
Anna - Oct 14, 2008
I'm 14, and I can admit that I am A-D-D-I-C-T-E-D to texting. I love it(: I don't always use the 'texting language' but sometimes I do. Although at school I never do. I am disciplined. The thing I think is bad about texting and IM is that todays kids will not face eachother in certain situations. They need to learn to talk face to face with people (such as their friends) instead of relying on IM to solve their problems. Other than that I just think that all kids should learn reading and writing BEFORE they start texting and IM'ing.
Ericha - Oct 15, 2008
I'm 14, got my cellphone when i was 12. When i got my phone hardly anyone had one but now i walk down the streets and kids who are like 6 are texting and talking on the phone. I think kids should not get a cellphone until they are Atleast in 6th grade. And when they do get a cellphone they need to be careful cause if they text to much it Can affect they're learning.
:)
<3
Anna - Oct 15, 2008
Hello again.
Ericha, I agree.
I got my phone for my 14th birthday. I am still 14 and I turned 14 in February.
David Tuffley, who is a lecturer in the Griffith University school of Information and Communication Technology says
"Who would not want to abbreviate when you are constrained to 160 characters per message, and you have to write it laboriously with a telephone keypad? If you can leave out letters from words and still have them make sense, so much the better for busy people. Remove the constraints and the abbreviations will mostly lose their reason to be. Some abbreviations may cross over to other uses, but this is likely to be only a minor trend."
And I strongly agree.
And it has been proven that only 10% of the words in text are abbreviated.
Although I still don't think that kids as young as 6 or in the 1st grade should have a phone.
I think that teen years are a more appropriate time to get them a cellular(:
P.S.- Richard Hurtz, I loved your comment-it made me laugh.
You are quite commical, keep it up.
(:
Kelsi - Oct 17, 2008
im in first grade and i have a phone. im cool.
whats up?
(: hi anna
Anna - Oct 17, 2008
Hello Kelsi.
Okay, if I was your mother,
I WOULD TAKE THAT PHONE AWAY!!!
lol
jk
But I don't think you should have a cellular at that youngish age.
Kelsi - Oct 17, 2008
Just kidding.
im like 85 years old... minus 68 years.
so that makes me 17.
im oldish.
anna, you should makeeee cookiesss.. in the shape of phones.
Xang Wei - Oct 30, 2008
Harro everyone!!
I justt wanted to say that since coming to america everyone seems so ruvvery!!
Go texting!
jenn, mom of five - Nov 2, 2008
My concern is that I have seen kids put all of their heavy emotions immediately out there via technology. The false sense of security...i.e. hiding behind your own computer screen, means that the built-in system of checks and balances is no longer in place. Back in the "olden days", you had to pick up a phone---speak directly to the individual, or worse yet leave a message with their parents. Often the kids would find that strong emotions are not so strong hours later..but IM is an unfortunate means of kids putting-it-all-out-there with no way of taking it back, once you do so.
pattyb - Nov 2, 2008
Dude, grade one is wayyy to early to be having a mobile phone. By giving someone still developing in forms of communication an obviously inhibiting electronic device you are altogether altering their social development. At this stage they should be learning to talk face to face with friends, organising things up front etc... Anyways mobile phones are not meant to be used for long conversations, you shouldn't need to be abbreviating or altering words, i usually don't, in fact i find it more fun to use longer words "lol"
peace
cc - Nov 17, 2008
you shoudent text message
Margrit - Nov 18, 2008
I think that yeah texting is fun but letter writing can be fun too!
Alyssa - Nov 19, 2008
Texting isn’t bad when it’s used responsibly, people! I am fifteen, I text, and make great writing text scores and I have an A in English. Texting doesn’t make your grammar and spelling grades go down, it’s more like lifestyle, who you associate with, and other things. If you know you write G2G in a report for school, which some people actually have that I’ve seen, that’s absolutely stupid. It’s not texting, it’s the people. They’re obviously too immature, or stupid, or whatever to realize that “text talk” won’t work in school.
Please, stop blaming the cell phones, they need love too!
And also to Gabby, you’re the main reason why people think texting is bad. People like you, and the people who decide to text while driving. How stupid can you be?!
Alyssa - Nov 19, 2008
And plus, don't you think people should realize that TTYL isn't something you write in school?
Get a grip people!
Someone - Nov 23, 2008
I didn't get a cell until I started college--and that was only for emergency purposes--Yet, I did not spontaneously explode through the lack of texting.
I still don't text, but I'm alive after all, and with a social life.
Cimfoghorn - Dec 4, 2008
I am completely against texting, I mean how can we allow kids like me to have the liberty of unrestricted communication, its apalling.
rachel - Dec 6, 2008
i got my cell phone when i was in 5th grade and im in 6th grade now and i have over 800 text each month it does nothing to my spelling so get a grip.
texting queen - Dec 8, 2008
i think this is fine people need to be able to stay in touch i have unlimited and my spelling is fine!
jana - Dec 9, 2008
i bought my son, who is ten a cell phone, he has after school activities and is able to let us know anything that goes on. It also has a tracker on it if he goes out of a range we preset for him it alerts my husbands phone. It isn't a bad thing for your kids to have one, just not to use it in class. And for some of the kiddies who replied on this board, you need to spend less time texting and more time in English class cause your grammar needs some work. :^)
moonstar - Jan 6, 2009
Yes.!!!
I really agree with you..even me im using cell[hone when I'm still grade 4 and I noticed my grammar becomes so bad and also my spelling...gosh!!!OMG!!!!
kerby - Jan 6, 2009
It does nothing with my grammar...
kem - Jan 6, 2009
fantastic!!!!
oliva - Jan 29, 2009
kids should not have phons at 4
rob - Jan 29, 2009
kidz should not have a fone till 13
Mridul (Eton College Teacher) - Feb 4, 2009
Good tips... I like them and people should learn about this thing. I have already forwarded this article to all my relatives and wish everybody does that
colette - Feb 4, 2009
I think the first comment is kind of ironic
kelsey - Feb 5, 2009
I agree that kids should't have a cell phone as early as first grade! I got one when I was in 7th grade. I am still able to do well in school because I know when I should use more formal language like in papers and when I can use "txt talk". I think texting has actually helped my spelling because with T9 you have to spell the word right for it to come up.
bryan "cute" - Feb 10, 2009
well,,,uhmm,,, i also love to text,,,this can be one way to express your feelings or say something what you really feel to someone,,,
but nowadays, texting affects the proficiency in spelling among students,,,when writing essay,they got wrong in spelling or they got confuse about a certain word...
so I think we should limit ourselves texting or maybe when we're texting,we should complete the words so that we can practice our spelling..
texting helps us when there is an emergency that we're going to text our parents if there is problem,,,,so that's all..hehehe
mwah..[Admin Note: phone number removed]
VHU_23 - Feb 13, 2009
That's REALLY TRUE........
Stop TEXTING at your YOUNG AGE>>
Justyn - Feb 27, 2009
We had some of the same problems integrating instant messaging into our business. The "older folks" (25+) had to be trained by the entry level staff! It was comical but it brought our company together.
Although, we recently had to switch from a public IM Client (MSN) to an enterprise instant messenger (Brosix.com) so that our employees weren't wasting time chatting with friends and family :)
kauaiboy - Mar 19, 2009
I think that the younger generations shouldnt have a phone until they are in high school, unless they have the phones from verizon where they only can receive calls and send calls with built in gps. The learning process of grammar starts when they are in grade school. I think that is why we see low scores on the state test.
whitney - Apr 23, 2009
You are right to a certain degree. Texting is a faster way and more efficient way to get ahold of people. Teenagers that need to get ahold of thier parents but dont have enough minuts on their phone or a computer can easily send a message to them fast and easily. Although the problem is YES it has a major effect on the world today with spelling and grammer. There are words that are being added to the dictionary that are made up from texting. I beleive that it will get so bad that no one will even right full words anymore it will all be (* lmfao, iwiwu, sul and that is just unthinkable.
Lin Ng - May 6, 2009
Texting once caused my mother to crash her bicycle into a tree.
But thats not to say it wouldn't have happened if she'd been writing a letter out whilst riding.
I think this sums up China's feelings adequately.
popseek - May 24, 2009
Hey VHU_23, why dont you keep your opinions to yourself.
LOL
Brittany - Jun 2, 2009
I don’t know about you guys but I really think we kids need a cell phone. We need to communicate with our loved ones when they are away and stay connected with friends. It’s all up to you to check up on your grammar or something. I also use it in my assignments. If ever I needed some answers with just one click I get answers using bongo. I just text 505050 to bongo then presto! I get all the answers I need for my assignments. No need to go the library and spend hours of researching. And when I finish my assignments early, I have time to help up my mom in the kitchen and prepare dinner. Bongo is a life saver..
Adam - Jun 20, 2009
This new texting "fad" is ridiculous. One of my friends sent me an email in "text language." I couldn't read it! I had to send her an email back in real English to tell her it was hard to read and understand and request that she send future emails in "English
." I don't mean to sound like a snob, but, writing is a dying art.
For the record, I am under the age of 18 but over the age of 10.
P.S. Pads were added to lamps on a certain street in London (I think it was London) because so many people weren't watching where they were going while texting and running into them.
Paula - Jun 29, 2009
I do agree with a lot of the comments. I didn't purchase a cell phone for my daughter until she was at least 12 years old. I do think 6 years old is too young. Also, text messaging during homework and class should definitely be offlimits. I remember when I went to the public library and check out books to read. Why does kid's have the tv on while they're doing their homework. I tell my 16 year old daughter she spends too much time on the internet Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. How many kid's on this site read books during the school year and during summer? Reading improve vocabulary, reading comprehension. What about Summer Enrichement Programs & Summer School? Grammar, Spelling & is very important that's some school districts test scores are very low.
My Opinion - Jul 28, 2009
I think that you should let them text, but only if they pay for it, and make them use REAL WORDS, not just acronyms, because it makes it easier to understand, and because you dont want to have your kids get a bad grade because they used texting language.
Somone - Aug 18, 2009
I think you should let them text for only emergincies if they are young... It's dumb for a 7 year old to have unlimited text!!!! She will have 4 grammer classes!!!
stunna - Sep 8, 2009
wow i never used my humble opion or anythiing i use pos parent over houlder
Ngaora - Sep 8, 2009
hhhhhmmmmmmm........ i iz a 14 yr old teen and i have to admit kids relay on their phones an itz not dat gud lol i shuld know
Donny - Sep 13, 2009
Hey adam you might not have meant to sound like a snob, but trust me you did.
The use of shorthands and acronyms is to save text space so your message doesnt extend into two messages costing you more, its common sense.
Brad B. - Sep 14, 2009
I am 15, and instant messaging is definitely the hottest form of communication around... and one that I personally don't partake in. Acronyms like "LOL" and "ROFL" are good for saving space and typing out your message at a faster rate of speed, but they don't really do anything in expanding our vocabulary, improving our spelling, and sophisticating our speech. The things that really matter.
The problem is that text messaging will not make someone popular. If their peers consider them losers, text messaging will not change that. Is it a good way to make friends? Maybe, but it's also a good way to bully someone. Is it good to sneak messages to your friends while your teacher is talking? Yes, if you're secretive enough about it; but it keeps people from learning. Nothing is more annoying than the person who is sitting beside you that texts every 5 minutes, believe me.
I don't like testing. What the hell is with kids in Grade 1 buying their kids cell phones?
Oh, and I'm no snob. I speak with LOLS and ROFLS on the internet every day. I also find Chuck Norris jokes (some of them) funny.
Yep.
Rihanna D'Silva - Sep 18, 2009
OMG BRAD!!!! Seriously, you actually use LOL and ROFL on the internet, wow! Im impressed, I can think of any behaviour a snob would partake in less!!
I bet your a regular party animal on the scene arn't you, dropping your LOL's and ROFL's left right and centre!!!
FWIW - Sep 18, 2009
does anyone else ever think this conversation was had when we began speaking modern english from previous dialects? Such as Queen's english or before..and how awful the new form of language was becoming? dropping the U from colour. 'Pants' instead of trousers. Gas instead of Petrol. Or at any other previous point in history where the 'older generation' was adament their way was right and the new way the younger generation did things was wrong and would somehow result in them being dumber? maybe texting via it's abbreviations is a superior way to communicate due it's efficiency or implied understanding of context that the receiver must have?...just throwing it out there... BTW - my 2 cents, kids crappy grammar (or anything else) is more to do with the parent(s) not spending the required time. Or the parent didn't make it a priority. not the phone, TV or whatever else which is easier to blame.
Deja hadley - Sep 25, 2009
hey peepz
im onli 13 years old && ihave had a fone since lik the 5th grade and i dnt c how it is affecting us negative because ikan go to school and write perfectly fine and still text in slang. but mi mommmie worries dhat i 2hookd 2mi fone and idnt pay attention in skool but i totalli qot it under kontrol.=) peace.
Hmmm.... - Oct 3, 2009
So, FWIW, you honestly perceive 'American' English, as modern engish?
Rather than a string of errors that formed a language JUST different enough for some idiots to believe it to be a seperate language...
sally - Oct 7, 2009
i think txting is fine i dont know why people freak out about it.
Skipper - Oct 13, 2009
wow this is crazy and i thought that texting was ok at the age of 6. this brightens my mind about how texting can affect the life of a child and his/her ability to learn.
Chappy - Oct 13, 2009
Hey guys, this has really opened my eyes, I mean the different pros and cons of texting and writing, thanks so much for making it as a topic! I can honestly say Ive never given it any though before, and I can guarentee I never will again.
I mean seriously, who cares.
Emily - Oct 17, 2009
Hi, Just to let everyone know I am 14 and I do not have a cell phone yet. I'm not allowed to get one until I am 16. But guess what? I am still alive. I am surviving without a phone. Actually, I probably have a better social life than many of the kids at school who sit around and text all day.
One thing (I just have to say this)that is extremely funny/ironic that I have been reading on here is when people say that texting isn't hurting their spelling and grammer, but are making tons of mistakes in their posts.
Another thing is that kids are getting addicted to their phones. I have friends that can't go any where without them or can't even turn their phones off. They constantly have to be chatting with other people. I would think that it would be better, actually able to think without people sending messages to them all of the time. Plus I think that it is also rude when I am talking to someone and they break away from the conversation and start talking to someone else on their cell phone.
What happened to manners?
I am reading a book in English class called Fahrenheit 451. It's sad to see the parallels between the book and today's society.
Finally, 1st Grade is way too young to be getting a cell phone. What would they need to talk to their friends about? Their next play-date? The lesson about the letter K in school? Or maybe they are calling their Mom or Dad....you know, the people sitting right next to them.
What is this world coming to?
me - Nov 1, 2009
im a kid and i have 2 do a report on this!! haha i find it funny that ppl wud think about his ya kno??
me - Nov 1, 2009
i mean this
me - Nov 1, 2009
haha totally agree with emily!! lol
John - Nov 1, 2009
I found this article very interesting. I think it is true, but also kids can handle it.
mark - Nov 9, 2009
there are some concearns most deffinatly. but i think i gets kids used to using wrighting to express themselfs. wrighting can be scary enough for some, or expressing their self through it any way. its 2010. we need to except that iming is a new form of communication. point in fact, do we write or talk the way the old english did such as shakespear? no, we don't. so whats wrong with this form of wrighting. kids from the south have some of the worst slang in the us, but they have no problem wrighting. leave them alone.
me (: - Nov 14, 2009
I really don't see why older people think texting is bad. It really doesn't affect many teens. They do know the difference when it comes to texting and a school assignment paper.
Dusty - Nov 16, 2009
From what I have read, I think some of the readers have gotten a little confused about the context of this article.
I do not believe the author was implying that every single student that texts will develop bad habits in grammar and spelling.Everyone devlops and learns in their own way.
I also believe that first grade IS quite early for a child to own a cell phone and learn "Text Talk" as opposed to correct grammar. I understand that the dicision is for the parent to make and so I can not criticize their individual choices for their children.
The fact that so many people have become so reliant on these bits of plastic and silicon is extremely alarming. I understand the need to feel connected, but I do not believe that immersing yourself in a world of single letters, numerals, and topographic symbols used by themselves or in combination to represent words, parts of words, and noises can ever replace verbally speaking to someone.In text you lose emotion because you can not hear the person sigh with frustration, or see them nod in agreement, or any of the other sounds or gestures humanity has been hard-wired to make when trying to make our point.
I am sure that I may get a few comments about what I have written here. I want to be clear that I have no wish to offend anyone, I am simply attempting to add my voice to this discussion.
TRUTH BLAD - Nov 16, 2009
>>>how cool is:
Chappy.
Elizabeth - Nov 19, 2009
I think it is ok for kids ages 11-16 to text.I mean dont let a child under the ages txt because of the dangers!!I text but only to my friends and sometimes my family.But,atleast i am not one of those stupid teen girls spending all my time in class txting my high school football bf when i could be getting a good high school education!
Foxtails - Dec 15, 2009
Texting should be banned for 17 and because, its leading to bad grammer skills and low SAT scores
KNC - Dec 30, 2009
Ok, so I just have to say this. I'm 17 years old and I don't have texting, and I'm still living! For those who think we need texting to keep us teens entertained read a book. It's good for improving English skills and it is entertaining! If you don't like reading, then find some jobs to do around the house. I'm sure your parents wouldn't mind if you cleaned the living room, did the dishes, or mowed the lawn.
heyy - Jan 7, 2010
i have a cell phone and im still young i have started doing short forms while texting i use to only do it when im on messenger or facebook. but when my mom found out she told me to type in full form. what im trying to say Ive learned that its not always good to do that.
ps: im doing this topic on my school junior speech
dee - Jan 13, 2010
I think that texting is fun but you can sometimes can get to adicted to texting that you for get how to speak
so start sayig uua,yay,or what ever,or don't lison to them
OllyOlly Oxefrie - Jan 21, 2010
texting is bad
Lili - Jan 23, 2010
Texting is alright, just as long as it is controlled. Some children get a phone at the age of 1 year because they have no older sibling. If a child gets a phone under the age of 13, it should be for emergency reasons only. children should be allowed to text at the age of 13. Yes, using abbriviations on a phone can make the texting go faster, but if you type full sentences, you will get faster.
and hey, you know what? If you cant fit your words into one text, i say: USE TWO TEXTS!
Some teachers have spotted the occasional short form in the random book report or story, but if your typing, you should use spellcheck! and jeez. If My elementary teacher spotted one short form/abriviation in something, you would be copying the dictionary out. so watch what you do, for your language depends on it.
~~Lili
Mackenzie - Jan 29, 2010
Texting is a waste of time...in my opinion.
Mackenzie - Jan 29, 2010
Texting takes seconds but writing a letter tkes hours at a time what do you prefer to do? I like texting because it gives me time to bond with my friends.
Mackenzie - Jan 29, 2010
I'm Mackenzie, i have had a phone since my 11th birthday. I'm now 13. I remember when i first got my phone i thought i was so cool. I would brag about it and text during school just to fit in. But now i realized, texting isn't everything! Its taking over young teens lives just like it took over mine.
I try to cope woth not having my phone sometimes, like if i have basketball practive or volleyball i just leave it at home. And when i go to school i do too. Ive learned i dont always have to have my phone with me at all times. And since then ive been getting better grades too.
p.s. I came on here trying to find information about my English report but instead i found this. and think its interesting
Kelsie - Jan 30, 2010
Okay I thought that I was bad at using short forms and spelling but I'm just not a good grammar person. Says my teacher. This is just weird that in about 8-14 years that we will be able to speak a whole sentence in one letter. Texting in not bad if you type out everything but not if you always use short forms. You will start talking in short forms(as my brother and friends do)and then our whole english language will turn into one worded sentences. Haha. I'm thinking that I will move to a place where I can't understand the langauge so that I will not have to deal with this. By the way I'm 13.
duntworrybootit - Feb 4, 2010
DUNT WORRY ABOOT IT
Gabbi - Feb 7, 2010
I'm 13 as of now and I got a cell phone last year for Christmas. I have good grades in school and my highest are, in fact, in English class. There isn't a problem with having cell phones and texting, the problem comes up when you text too much. I don't text 24/7 like some of my friends do. I have a curfew of 8 p.m. and I'm not allowed to text on school nights until after i have my homework done. Texting isn't the problem, the problem is how often you do it.
Gabbi - Feb 7, 2010
And Emily spelled grammar wrong. She spelled it with an "e". Hahaha!!
Sandra - Feb 13, 2010
I FEEL SO SMART NOW. I am a dork -_- <----- thats a dork face
Robbby-bobby92 - Mar 10, 2010
i think that this is very helpful and i thank you for this because i needed this article so thank you thank you!
Helper - Mar 10, 2010
i am using this as a reference for a paper that i am writing but i cannot find your name so if you don't mind can you please tell me the name of the author of this article pleas and thank you
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