Is texting stopping children from excelling in literacy?

This article discusses research done by Coventry university, which concluded that children who use 'text speak' or 'textisms' have a higher phonological awareness. It even goes on to say that texting creates a space where children can be creative with language.
The research also explores the origins of textism and abbreviations, etc. Surprisingly - rather than it being put down to time-clipping, it is put down to the importance of an accurate self-representation online.