Children try to use books like smartphones

Studies show that about one in three children instinctively try to swipe physical books as if they were smartphones or tablets.

Digital children

Growing up in a digital world, the children of today are often exposed to screens from a young age. They are also not exposed to traditional books often enough.  This results in confusion when they reach Grade 0, and are expected to know how to handle a book. Instead they try to apply the same gestures to traditional books, expecting pages to turn with a swipe.

This trend highlights how technology is shaping children’s interactions with reading materials and raises questions about how to engage young readers in more tactile, screen-free experiences. Parents and educators are exploring creative ways to make books interactive while still encouraging hands-on reading habits.

Choose books first

The same poll found 68% of children choose tech for games and apps over reading. Almost eight in ten parents worried that printed books could be pushed aside. And nearly half of the children surveyed said they only read because school tells them to, not because they want to.

What can you do?

• Introduce books early and often.  Let your child hold the book and page through it, without worrying about bending pages or damage.  Touch is everything.
• Delay tablets and smartphones until holding and looking at books becomes a skill and a habit.
• Introduce books with big pictures and invest in a few Where’s Wally type books, where they have to look for details in a busy picture. This trains the eye without relying on zooming in.
• Here are 10 more reasons to get your children reading, in case you need persuading.
• Follow these 6 steps to grow your child into a happy reader!