Thankfully, preliminary research indicates that at least some of these fears may be unfounded. A recent study from the British Academy found that young students who texted with higher frequency and used "textisms" a great deal actually performed better on spelling measures then their peers. There was also a high correlation between the texters and their overall literacy, reasoning skills, and ability to switch easily back and forth between textisms and proper English. One of the authors of the study, Dr. Clare Wood, stated that it was a surprise to the researchers to find 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." Further, there have been some arguments by others that the explosion of email, text, social networking and the availability of information online has forced the current generation to become more literate (at least in terms of writing and self-expression) than any generation prior.

The above-mentioned study does not, however, address some of the concerns about the effect that texting may have on young people's social skills. In Pew focus groups teens acknowledge that they do use electronic media (texting and email) to avoid confrontation or uncomfortable situations. The ability to discuss and address issues is a learned skill, and the number of options available to young people for avoiding learning this skill by face to face interaction is worrisome. That said, the Pew Center's Amanda Lenhart, one of the study's authors, reports that teens have retained the ability to be strategic about when not to text, especially with parents: the majority of teens reported that when they want something from their parents, they are still more likely to pick up the phone and call or ask in person than to text, aware that they are more likely to "get the yes" from a face-to-face interaction.

The jury is still out, then, on texting and it's effects on the development of language and communication with young people. On the one hand, it appears that it may be making them better readers, writers and thinkers (or at minimum not interfering with those skills for the kids that already are good at these skills). Indeed, it could be that the kids who are the most verbal have a tendency to text the most. That said, face to face communication is a unique skill set necessary for successful relationships socially and in the workplace. It seems prudent for parents and educators to focus on these skills and ensure that in spite of the availability of these alternate - and emotionally easier - modes of communication, young people still learn how to talk to others.