Oh, sorry, that wasn't clear on my part - I was referencing the suggestion of "American influence" on UK kids from the article. I wondered if that idea was outdated; if UK kids are taking notes from peers, the sort of aspirationally wealthy US kids sharing their lives online via video media are often showing off fancy electric gooseneck kettles.
Until fairly recently, tea culture in America WAS microwaves and tea bags, though. So I wonder how old this "staff reporter" is!