Increasing use of text messages amongst kids is leading to problems with spelling and grammar, according to a new report.

The Irish State Examination Commission said that errors in grammar and punctuation have become a “serious concern” after analysing last years exam papers for texts taken by 15 year olds.

“The emergence of the mobile phone and the rise of text messaging as a popular means of communication would appear to have impacted on standards of writing as evidenced in the responses of candidates,” the report said, according to Wednesday’s Irish Times.

“Text messaging, with its use of phonetic spelling and little or no punctuation, seems to pose a threat to traditional conventions in writing.”