Fostering a Love for Reading in the Digital Age
Many of us remember those hot, languid summer days spent reading the newest novel by the author we loved or about our latest faddish obsession we were fascinated with. Today, as we look around at the students in our lives, we would feel lucky if their screen time dips below the national average (4-6 hours for children aged 8-12; up to 9 hours for children aged 13-18). So, how to we make sure that these students can fit in time to read in their chaotic, content-saturated days? Don’t despair, as it is still possible to encourage a love for reading in teenagers, and it remains essential for their development and well-being.
It’s important to remember why reading is important and what a healthy reading habit can yield for children. Researchers consistently show that reading improves vocabulary, critical thinking, empathy, and overall academic performance. More specifically, as stated in a Scientific American article co-authored by Cambridge professors,
Choice is key for students who crave autonomy, especially as they age into adolescence. A capricious wander into genres that you, the adult, might not personally enjoy could lead a child to a newfound passion. Harvesting recommendations from the local library, bookish social media communities like BookTok, and asking around in the community are great ways to keep fresh reading material on hand so that the child can choose just what they fancy. An “unplugged hour” every day, including participation by the adults in the house, is a great way to ensure at least that much time spent reading. A cozy corner where you store and rotate all of the books does wonders for getting the child’s nose into a book.
As with the “unplugged hour,” an adult modeling the behavior will do wonders. Even the simple fact of carrying a book in your bag everywhere you go can inspire the student to follow suit – from the car seat to college and beyond. Bring the discussion about the books you’re enjoying to the dinner table, and pass interesting articles about ideas or current events to the child and anyone else in the household. By connecting reading and intellectual conversation to your family’s life, the child will have a hard time disengaging. In a blog post, the Young Adult Library Services Association underscores the importance of parental modeling in encouraging children’s reading habits. If you’re reading this blog post, talk to your child about it later!
Even though screens often feel like the enemy to developing healthy intellectual habits in children, technology can actually be deployed to get children reading. E-readers and audiobooks mean the child doesn’t always have to lug heavy books, bringing their reading with them everywhere. Reading apps like Libby and Overdrive allow free borrowing from local libraries, opening up a world of possibilities.
Online social media communities like BookTok or Goodreads can be used to provide a social context for your teen’s reading habit, which might lead them to a book club—in person or online.
With all of these tools at your disposal, reading can be presented as just another fun thing to do! The important thing to avoid is pressuring children to read, as the goal is to develop a lifelong love of reading, not just meeting a reading quota. Stocking your house with exciting, ever-changing, and wide variety of reading materials and crafting a comfortable space to read will go a long way towards achieving exactly that.
It is easy to be discouraged by the number of faces awash in the pale blue thrall of their phones as you look around any room today. Remember that you can work reading into your child’s phone life, whether through BookTok, audiobooks, or the latest interesting article you read and sent to them.
In the words of author Neil Gaiman, “A book is a dream that you hold in your hand.” Considering the sheer volume of dreams students can hold in the palm of one hand, let’s empower our teens to dream, explore, and discover the magic that lies between the pages of a good book – digital or physical.
About TLC
The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company serving the Greater Philadelphia Area. Among its five divisions, TLC offers School-based Staffing Solutions, Mobile Coaching and Counseling, and Heather’s Hope: A Center for Healing. These major programs are united under TLC’s mission to promote positive choices and cultivate meaningful connections through education, counseling, coaching, and consulting.