Text Messaging to be part of English GCSE exam

[daffy654]

http://www.dailymail....le-phone-texting.html

I am disgusted that this is being introduced.
Text messaging is not proper English and should not be taught and tested in schools!
My 12 year old son doesn't even own a mobile phone and has no need for one so despite the fact he has the vocabulary,spelling ability and reading ability far above his actual age he is being disadvantaged by this.

[socket2008]

The disturbing thing for me is daffy654 original comment 'My 12 year old son doesn't even own a mobile phone and has no need for one'. What about for safety reasons? What about when talking privately to friends? A boy of that age not having a mobile and the parent saying none is needed is highly unusual. All of my cousins and nieces/nephews have mobiles even if it is a basic model. A recent school notice even said it is highly encouraged for safety reasons.

Texting is a part of life now, something which daffy seems to be detached from. You need to let the boy grow up in the 21st century rather than push your own restrictive victorian views which is likely to give him the unwanted attentions of bullies.