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World Book Day research shows old meets new is the best way to improve reading
1 Mar 2012
New research shows gadget mad kids are not just plugging in to enjoy games and chats with mates online – they’re using their mobiles and games consoles to improve their reading abilities.
A new study out to mark World Book Day shows reading is getting a boost thanks to new technology and the brightest children combine the reading of books, magazines and newspapers with reading online or via their mobiles and gaming consoles.
The National Literacy Trust study of 20,950 children aged 8 to 17 showed that children and young people who read books as well as reading on PCs, tablets and mobiles are more likely to be reading at the expected level or above the expected level for their age compared with children and young people who only read using technology.
The research shows:
- Electronic devices such as IPods and Xbox’s are increasingly being used for reading for a fifth (21%) of British youngsters
- Most young people - 62% - say they read paper based materials as well as at least one technology based medium – only a fifth just read paper based books and magazines
- 56% of youngsters actively read on a mobile or hand-held device while 64% read on their PCs
- But the enjoyment factor of reading comes more from reading a book or magazine than technology based texts. 65% of book readers say they enjoy reading compared to just 26% of those who only read off their mobiles or laptops
- Young book readers are twice as likely to read every day compared to counterparts who rely on their gadgets.
National Literary Trust Director Jonathan Douglas said that while books remained vitally important the combination of paper and technology would turn more children onto reading.
He said: “Our research shows that while books remain important we should also embrace the fact that children are reading on everything from iPads to their gaming devices. Those who read books get more enjoyment from it than those who only read online or on their gadgets. World Book Day is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate both the pleasure of reading and the importance of literacy. ”
In celebration of World Book Day a new app has been created which features exclusive new short stories from bestselling teenage writers such as Anthony Horowitz, Charlie Higson, Malorie Blackman, Neil Gaiman, Sophie McKenzie and Rachel Vincent. Charlie, Sophie and Malorie will be launching the app on World Book Day itself, (March 1st) with a special free reader event and Q&A at the Apple Store in Covent Garden in London.
The Apple event is just one in a series of activities in schools, bookshops and libraries getting children excited about books and reading for World Book Day 2012. Eight new children’s books by authors including Julia Donaldson, Roald Dahl and Jacqueline Wilson can be exchanged for free with a £1 World Book Day Book Token which are being handed out in schools and nurseries from this month.
Visit www.worldbookday.com for more information and the latest news.
