During Monday’s episode of Good Morning Britain, Susanna Reid offered viewers a glimpse into her home life. She discussed a UK college’s decision to employ tutors to assist students with making phone calls.
The programme highlighted that teenagers are finding it increasingly challenging to make phone calls, and the tutors would provide guidance on interview techniques and simulate various scenarios.
When Susanna observed a guest sceptically reacting to the news, she remarked: “Everything is online! People tend to email, text or WhatsApp. They don’t speak to each other on the phone.”
Andrew Pierce chimed in, commenting: “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.”
With a chuckle, Susanna confessed: “I’m afraid I’m guilty of that!” She then shared that she texts her own children from within their house to announce that dinner is ready, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Opinions are divided on the notion of hiring tutors to teach conversational skills. Nonetheless, Susanna commended the initiative for its potential to impart new abilities.
She expressed her support, saying: “See, 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 (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. It can be intimidating to make those phone calls. Actually, they are so complicated, those phone calls, aren’t they?”
The ITV presenter explained that some calls can be tricky, as individuals often must navigate through various automated requests to reach the correct department.
Expanding on the topic, she said: “So, training young people in how to make an important phone call is not a bad idea.”
Their guest, Kevin Maguire, expressed his disappointment that not all teenagers are adept at using both a keyboard and making an important phone call, noting: “If they can’t, then it is better. It’s getting people ready for working life.
“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 it’s when you stop and think about it, it makes sense.”
Joining the conversation, Richard Madeley informed the panel that a survey had found that a quarter of individuals aged between 18 and 34 are scared of answering the phone.
Susanna couldn’t help but laugh at these findings, responding: “Particularly if it’s their mum, I’ve noticed!”
Good Morning Britain continues weekdays on ITV from 6am.