With the rise of things like BookTok and Bookstagram, it looks like the world is reading more. But what about children? In the UK, a new survey, which involved 3,000 parents with children ages 2-12, revealed that 53% of parents don’t buy books to their kids. This statistic may not seem really worthy of the discussion. But we can understate the benefits of introducing books at an early age and its massive impact on children’s educational attainment.

So, the survey raises questions about fostering literacy and the cultural value placed on reading within families.

Early exposure to books forms the basis of a child’s education. It has many benefits, including improved language skills, better academic performance, and increased empathy. Books stimulate imagination and develop a lifelong love of reading and learning. Despite these proven benefits, more than half of the parents surveyed are not investing in this important part of their children’s development.

The reasons?

Digital Distraction: Thirty-five percent of the parents who don’t buy books say that their children prefer tablets, smartphones, and televisions for entertainment. These devices are often loaded with educational apps and ebooks, which parents believe is a convenient and more engaging replacement for physical books.

Affordability: Nearly 28% of parents cited affordability for not being able to buy books for their children. The increasing cost of living and other financial responsibilities make it challenging to prioritize book buying.

Lack of Awareness: Many parents underestimate the importance of early-age reading and believe that going to school is enough for their children’s exposure to literature. They don’t feel the need to buy additional books.

Limited access: of the surveyed parents, 10% cited limited access to bookstores or libraries as the reason for not buying books for their kids. This particularly happens in rural or underserved communities with restricted access to a variety of books.

Regardless of the reasons, parents must understand that children who are not regularly exposed to reading may struggle with developing literacy skills. This may have a huge impact on their academic performance and their ability to succeed in life.

Addressing the issue

Promoting the value of reading among parents can encourage them to prioritize book reading as a vital activity for their children’s development.

Making books accessible via programs like book exchanges, libraries, and affordable book sales can make books more accessible and affordable for parents.

Combining digital and physical reading can cater to modern interests while still emphasizing the importance of physical books.

The post 53% of UK Parents Don’t Buy Books for Their Children first appeared on Good e-Reader.