Prof defends txt spk - LOL

An esteemed word boffin has called for an end to the urban myths surrounding the alleged damaging impact texting is having on the English language.
Professor David Crystal argues that such condensed messages enhance and enrich language skills.
An honorary professor of linguistics at Bangor University, he said texting was widespread across all age groups and despite having a bad [...]

The kids aren’t alright

I cannot help but feel pity for today’s youngsters, even the skateboarders.
We continue to fail them over everything from their diet to their schooling, put all kinds of pressure on them to grow up too quickly and demonise them at almost every opportunity.
In many ways it is the lot of the teenager to be picked on [...]

Modern parenting is all about delegating responsibility

Parents are increasingly looking to schools and teachers to fill the moral vacuum that exists within their own children.
According to a senior headteachers’ leader, pupils lack realistic aspirations and are too heavily influenced by what they see as the “easy” lives of celebrities.
John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, believes some children have [...]

MP calls for Facebook lessons

Schools should set aside time each week to give pupils lessons on the responsible use of Facebook, other social networking sites and the internet in general.
That is the view of Madeleine Moon, the MP for Bridgend who was so quick to indulge in some bandwagon jumping when news first started to break about a number of [...]

Everyone welcome in Gordon’s culture club

The mass ranks of Goats - sorry, Government Of All Talents (sic) - are on a mission to unlock our full potential, whatever it might be.
Gordon Brown has drawn inspiration from the glut of X-Factor style talent shows that swamp our TV schedules and is now a passionate believer that the UK is populated by hidden gems, [...]