Date of Paper

5-2013

Type of Paper

Clinical research paper

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

Kari L. Fletcher

Department/School

Social Work

Abstract

The primary purpose of the present research was to gain a better understanding of how text messaging has affected adolescent communication skills. This research also explored school social workers’ perceptions of ways that texting has impacted adolescents’ lives. Qualitative interviews conducted with seven school social workers explored perceptions of adolescent communication with school social workers, peers, and families, along with benefits and challenges texting presents in adolescent lives. Findings from this study suggested that texting negatively affects adolescents’ communication skills, particularly with regard to face-to-face communication skills, bullying, and teasing. Social workers should be aware of positive and negative effects of texting and of how texting impacts adolescents’ communication skills and development.

Included in

Social Work Commons

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