On Monday’s episode of *Good Morning Britain*, Susanna Reid made a hilarious confession about her family’s communication habits,
sparking laughter among viewers and fellow panelists.
The ITV host, known for her witty remarks and engaging discussions, opened up about how she handles communication at home,
shedding light on the modern-day struggle of traditional phone calls, especially among younger generations.
The topic arose during a conversation about a UK college that has taken a proactive approach to improving students’ phone communication skills.
The college is hiring tutors to coach students on how to make phone calls—an effort aimed at addressing the growing difficulty teens have with using the phone as a means of communication.
This prompted Susanna to comment on the widespread reliance on digital communication methods, particularly text messages, emails, and messaging apps like WhatsApp. She noted, “Everything is online! People tend to email, text or WhatsApp. They don’t speak to each other on the phone.”
Her co-host Andrew Pierce couldn’t help but express his astonishment at the situation, remarking, “They don’t speak to each other at all! You hear stories about children in the same household texting each other in the same house! The world has gone mad.” His bewildered tone mirrored what many viewers might have felt in response to the growing trend of texting in the same house instead of talking face-to-face.
However, Susanna wasn’t quick to dismiss the habit. Laughing, she admitted, “I’m afraid I’m guilty of that!” The confession left the panel in stitches as Susanna revealed that, much like her children, she also resorts to texting her kids from within the house to call them to dinner. This candid moment highlighted the humorous side of modern-day family life and how even adults have adapted to the digital age’s convenience.
The conversation turned towards the idea of hiring tutors to teach young people the art of making phone calls. While some may have raised eyebrows at the concept, Susanna offered a supportive perspective. She argued that in today’s digital-first world, many people—especially teenagers—find phone calls intimidating. She explained, “I don’t think this is a bad idea! Actually, if you are used to online, or even face-to-face, because, as you say (referring to Kevin Maguire), teens definitely talk to each other face-to-face loudly on trains. I remember doing it myself, so let’s not look down our noses at it.” Susanna went on to acknowledge the complexities involved in making phone calls, such as navigating automated systems or reaching the right department, which can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with such processes.
Supporting Susanna’s viewpoint, their guest Kevin Maguire weighed in, saying that many teenagers struggle with essential communication skills, both on the phone and on the keyboard. He emphasized that if young people aren’t learning these life skills at home, then it’s beneficial for institutions, like colleges, to step in. He remarked, “If people at home haven’t taught them for whatever reason, then I think it’s good a college is doing it. I know we can mock it, and I raise my eyebrows a little too, but when you stop and think about it, it makes sense.”
Adding to the discussion, Richard Madeley shared the results of a poll that found a quarter of 18- to 34-year-olds experience anxiety when answering phone calls. The results of the survey further highlighted the growing discomfort many young adults have with traditional communication methods.
Susanna, always quick with a joke, responded humorously to the poll, saying, “Particularly if it’s their mum, I’ve noticed!” Her witty remark had the panel and audience in fits of laughter, as it pointed out the common reluctance many people feel when answering phone calls from their parents.
Ultimately, the conversation revealed just how much technology has altered communication habits over the years. While some may find the trend of texting instead of talking odd, others, like Susanna, have embraced the convenience of digital tools for daily interactions. Nevertheless, it’s clear that the ability to make and receive phone calls remains an important life skill—one that may require a little extra guidance for today’s younger generation.
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