Despite an increase in instant technology and social media many families still teach their children how to write traditional thank you letters, according to a new study.
The rise of the digital industry has meant that many youngsters are more at ease with sending a friend or relative a tweet or Facebook message to show their gratitude.
However almost 60% of mums teach their kids how to write thank you letters on pen and paper after events like Christmas or a birthday, with younger mothers more likely to do so than older mothers. Almost 70% opt to email or make a phone call to say thanks.
Compiled by the Bible Society, the study was carried out in line with its campaign to encourage people to correspond with those they are indebted to in tandem with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.
A Bible Society spokeswoman said: “The concept of Jubilee originally comes from the Bible, where it is a radical idea about, among other things, debts being written off.
She added: “Bible Society thought it would be wonderful if people used this Diamond Jubilee to reconnect with the original meaning and thank people to whom they feel indebted; what better way to do that, than by writing a letter. Our poll shows that, despite modern technology, saying ‘thank you’ this way is still as popular as ever.”
Charles Kidd, editor of Debrett’s Peerage and Baronetage, said he believes the thank you letter makes the person who has written the letter feel good and the person who receives it to feel good.
