Children spending more time with TV and computers than reading

A survey by reading charity Booktrust has revealed that half of children spend more time watching the TV or on computers than reading.

Results of the poll of over 3,000 children and parents also suggests that a third of parents believe that bookshelves in their home are being taken over by DVD's and computer games. 

Although 96% of children say that they enjoy reading and that reading is enjoying an increase in popularity, one in 20 homes have less than 10 books and boys tend to have fewer books than girls. The average family has 75 kids' books whilst 13% of homes have over 100.

Two thirds of mothers of 4-5 year old's claim to be the principle reader, though more fathers are getting involved than in previous surveys. The vast majority of parents say that they read for pleasure with their kids, with over 50% saying that the last time was yesterday. 

Over half of parents agree that their children spend more time watching TV and playing computer games and watching DVD's than reading, with the figures peaking as kids reach 12.

Full article from the BBC: Children spending more time with TV and computers than reading

More news from IdeasForTheKids.com