Children who use technology are 'better writers'
By Zoe Kleinman
Technology reporter, BBC News

Six out of ten young bloggers rated their writing skills highly.

Children who blog, text or use social networking websites are more confident about their writing skills, according to the National Literacy Trust.
A survey of 3,001 children aged nine to 16 found that 24% had their own blog and 82% sent text messages at least once a month.

In addition 73% used instant messaging services to chat online with friends.
However, 77% still put real pen to paper to write notes in class or do their school homework.

Of the children who neither blogged nor used social network sites, 47% rated their writing as "good" or "very good", while 61% of the bloggers and 56% of the social networkers said the same.

"Our research suggests a strong correlation between kids using technology and wider patterns of reading and writing," Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust, told BBC News.
"Engagement with online technology drives their enthusiasm for writing short stories, letters, song lyrics or diaries."

Mr Douglas dismissed criticisms about the informal writing styles often adopted in online chat and "text speak", both of which can lack grammar and dictionary-correct spelling.
The more forms of communications children use the stronger their core literary skills.

"Does it damage literacy? Our research results are conclusive - the more forms of communications children use the stronger their core literary skills."
Read the full report at BBC online.