A recent study revealed surprising insights from business leaders about the impact smartphones have on children’s communication skills. The findings show that increased smartphone use can interfere with important speaking and listening skills.
research insights
The YouGov poll, which is part of a report by the UK’s Oracy Education Commission, shows that more than two-thirds of business leaders are concerned that smartphones are having a negative impact on children’s ability to communicate effectively. It highlights that The Committee calls for government intervention to address this pressing issue.
The insights were gleaned from a YouGov poll of 1,007 business decision makers conducted between February and March this year, highlighting widespread concerns across a range of sectors. .
Justin Andrew, Head of Education and Skills at KPMG, stressed the importance of fostering opportunities for young people, saying: “We will not grow economically as a nation and we will not be able to build the kind of society that we all want to live in. Speaking and listening, oracy, is fundamental to this.”
Preparing for future generations
Geoff Barton, Chair of the Committee on the Future of Oracy Education, highlighted the urgent need to equip young people with the ability to articulate ideas, engage in meaningful debate and understand diverse perspectives. did.
He further stated: “There are few things more urgent than this. In the age of robots, we want our students to be great human beings.”
Educational recommendations
The report advocates for increased training for teachers to facilitate discussions to improve student learning. It also proposes introducing formal assessment of speaking and listening skills as part of the revamped GCSE English qualification.
(Information provided by agency)
