Have kids always been this illiterate?

Question

To judge by YA, they can't spell or form sentences. Have preceding generations been this bad?

Answer 1

I think it has to do with the internet and text messaging. Kids get in the habit of using IM speak and don't realize that they sound ******* retarded when they spell that way. Couple that with schools no longer focusing on teaching useful skills and instead teaching to the standardized tests, and it's a wonder we can communicate as effectively as we do.

Answer 2

NO
prior to Luther's "Kindergarten" c1500 (the dark ages) and in large segments of western societies before 1900, Many, if not most children were uneducated. Most recently, my generation and my parents and grandparents were highly literate. Fewer distractions and MAJOR emphasis on Basic rules of grammar
allowed more of us, the masses, to communicate on a par with those of a higher social strata, that golden age is regrettably, coming to a close. What passes for acceptable by today's standards would have been failing when I graduated. What constituted an A+ in the 1940's or 1950's is probably out of reach of all but the most gifted and motivated in recent times. This, is an observation and I have some evidence to back these claims, of course there are exceptions and degrees of literacy. Like, comparing a cloudy day to a sunny day, what amount of cloud and sun determines the appropriate label....
So the answer remains no, kids have not always been this bad.
But, they have been this bad before and probably much worse throughout much of history.
IN their defense today's kids are much better at PS2 than previous generations, they likely know all the Pokemon and what they evolve into, can skateboard and have played soccer, and will use much more material for a pair of pants than I would have ever had for two pair, even-though lately I have put on a few pounds!

Answer 3

Let's give electronic media and it's programers a big hand for idiotizing our youth.
But my dad said the same thing in the 60's about me listening to the "Beatles"

Answer 4

Never!Look at 18th and 19th century primers, and you'll find out how articulate and wise children of past generations were.