London - Children are spending more time reading on computers or other electronic devices than books, magazines and comics for the first time, according to a study.
The findings, in an annual survey of the reading habits of eight- to 16-year-olds carried out by the National Literacy Trust, show that 39 percent read daily using electronic devices including tablets and e-readers. In contrast, only 28 percent read printed materials daily.
The number of children reading e-books has doubled in the last two years from six to 12 percent.
Research shows that those who read print are nearly twice as likely to be above-average readers as children who read electronically, by 26 percent to 15.5 percent.
And those who only read on screen are four times less likely to say they enjoy reading (12 percent compared with 51 percent).
Saying it was “concerned” by the findings, the Trust is urging parents and teachers to promote a better balance between using books and technological devices.
“Whilst we welcome the positive impact which technology has on bringing further reading opportunities to young people, it's crucial that reading in print is not cast aside,” said Jonathan Douglas, director of the NLT. - The Independent