Latest news with #UnderstandingtheChildren'sBookConsumer
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Reading aloud is losing its magic—but it's not too late to bring it back
New research by HarperCollins UK and Farshore reveals a worrying trend—and an opportunity for change. Reading bedtime stories was one of the most cherished parts of our childhood for many of us. It was the sound of a parent's voice, the comfort of cuddling up close, the magic of getting lost in a world far beyond our own. But for many children today, that moment of magic is quietly fading. In a new study released by HarperCollins UK and Farshore in December 2024, fewer than half of parents with children aged 0–13 say reading aloud is 'fun for me.' And when it comes to the youngest readers, just 41% of 0–4-year-olds are read to frequently, down sharply from 64% in 2012. The research, part of the 2024 Understanding the Children's Book Consumer survey conducted with NielsenIQ BookData, reveals that our cultural relationship with reading is shifting. Gen Z parents—those who grew up with screens—are more likely than previous generations to see reading as 'more a subject to learn' rather than a joyful activity. Their kids are absorbing that same message: almost one in three children aged 5–13 now see reading as something to study, not something to love. Even more troubling? This perception is growing. In 2012, only 25% of children felt this way. In 2024, it's 29%—and among 11–13-year-olds, it jumps to 35%. Related: Eye-opening viral video shows difference between effective and ineffective ways to handle bedtime Perhaps most heartbreaking is how early the disparity sets in. Among toddlers aged 0–2, just 29% of boys are read to daily, compared to 44% of girls. More than 1 in 5 boys are rarely or never read to at all. And by age 13, only 12% of boys read for fun every day. Alison David, Consumer Insight Director at Farshore and HarperCollins Children's Books, says, 'Being read to makes reading fun for children. So, it's very concerning that many children are growing up without a happy reading culture at home…Children who are read to daily are almost three times as likely to choose to read independently compared to children who are only read to weekly at home. It's never too late to start, or resume, reading with children.' Related: The scientific benefits of dads reading bedtime stories But there's also hope—real, inspiring hope. In a powerful pilot study called 'Social Reading Spaces,' HarperCollins UK partnered with the School Library Association to reimagine how we help reluctant adolescent readers reconnect with books. Over 10 weeks, 17 school libraries across the UK created pressure-free book clubs that emphasized connection, conversation, and community over reading assignments. The results were nothing short of transformational. More than 400 students aged 12–13 took part. Afterward, 60% said they were more interested in reading, and 84% said it was a worthwhile experience. In one school, boys who joined the club saw their reading ages grow by an average of 1 year and 3 months—compared to just 5 months in their wider year group. 'You can—like—express your emotions and your feelings here,' one boy said. Another shared, 'It's just a fun way of communicating and getting to read more books and become friends at the same time.' Yes, life is busier than ever. Yes, the pressures of modern parenting are real. But this research offers a gentle but urgent reminder: our kids need stories—not just for literacy, but for joy, connection, and emotional growth. Even five minutes a day can change the story of a child's life. Let's bring back the magic of reading aloud. Let's make story time a space of comfort and laughter, and imagination. And let's do it not out of guilt, but out of love. Because the truth is: we don't have to be perfect parents. But we can be the ones who say, 'Let's read together.' Sources: HarperCollins UK & Farshore (2024). New research reveals that parents are losing the love of reading aloud. 'PDF via HarperCollins Press Release'
Arab Times
14-05-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Reading aloud on the decline: New study reveals Gen Z parents losing interest in storytime
LONDON, May 14: A new study by HarperCollins Publishers UK reveals a sharp decline in the number of parents — particularly Gen Z — reading aloud to their children, with many no longer finding the activity enjoyable. The research suggests a cultural shift in how parents perceive reading, with a growing number viewing it not as a shared bonding activity, but as an educational task or 'subject to learn.' The study, part of the 2024 Understanding the Children's Book Consumer survey, shows that fewer than half (41%) of children aged 0–4 are frequently read to—a significant drop from 64% in 2012. The decline is even more pronounced among boys: only 29% of boys aged 0–2 are read to daily or nearly every day, compared to 44% of girls in the same age group. 'This study highlights the downfall of literacy in young children, which is such an important part of language development,' said Jocelyn M. Wood, a bilingual speech-language pathologist and child development expert. 'Although we are just starting to see that fewer parents are taking the time to read with their children, the downstream effects will be tenfold.' Despite overwhelming evidence of the benefits of reading aloud—including improved vocabulary, cognitive skills, and emotional bonding—the number of parents engaging in the practice is at an all-time low. Researchers found that only 40% of surveyed parents consider reading to be fun. Notably, around one in three Gen Z parents see reading as a chore or schoolwork task, compared to just one in five Gen X parents. Yet many parents acknowledge its importance. About 34% of parents with children aged 0–13 expressed a desire to spend more time reading to their kids. However, as Jessica Sliwerski, CEO of Ignite Reading, explains, bedtime reading often falls victim to parental exhaustion. 'At the end of a very long day, more than anything, you just want to get your kid to bed so you can also take a breath,' she said. Experts warn that the consequences of this trend could be far-reaching. According to Allison David, Consumer Insight Director at Farshore and HarperCollins Children's Books, children who are read to daily are three times more likely to read for pleasure later in life. Stephanie Al Otaiba, a professor at Southern Methodist University, adds that reading aloud fosters communication, curiosity, background knowledge, self-regulation, and early literacy skills. Part of the problem, experts say, is a lack of awareness about how powerful and enjoyable reading can be—for both children and parents. 'Parents may not understand the potential value of reading to their children, or how fun and engaging it can be,' said Al Otaiba. Clinical child psychologist Matthew Danbrook suggests that while reading to kids is essential, the pressure to do so perfectly may discourage parents. 'The HarperCollins study found that parents are seeing reading as more of a schoolwork thing to do, rather than it being fun or enjoyable,' he noted. Children's reading difficulties may further complicate the dynamic, especially since 5% to 10% of elementary-aged children are estimated to have a specific learning disability in reading. Moreover, a lack of reading at an early age creates what experts call the 'million word gap.' One study found that children whose parents read to them hear nearly 1.5 million more words by age five than those who aren't read to—exposure that simply cannot be replicated through everyday conversation alone. Wood emphasizes that even short reading sessions can make a big difference. 'Just spending 10 to 15 minutes reading a book together makes a huge difference,' she said, adding that the key is to make reading part of a consistent routine. Sliwerski agrees and advises parents to pick fun, engaging books—even if they're silly or unconventional. 'Let them read the comics, the graphic novels, even books with bathroom humor like Dog Man or Captain Underpants. If they're excited about it, that's the first step toward a love of reading,' she said. She also suggests rethinking when and how reading happens. 'Rather than doing it at the end of the day when you're burnt out, what if it was books and breakfast?' A short morning reading session, she says, can create a joyful and pressure-free reading tradition. Visiting the library or bookstore together and allowing children to choose what they want to read, without judgment, can also nurture their curiosity and build a stronger reading habit. In the end, the message from literacy experts is clear: the act of reading aloud may seem small, but its impact is profound. With just a few minutes a day, parents can significantly shape their children's language skills, imagination, and lifelong relationship with reading.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Gen Z Parents Don't Want to Read to Their Kids, New Study Shows
New research by HarperCollins Publishers in the U.K. reveals that parents, specifically Gen Z parents, no longer enjoy reading aloud to their children. In fact, many reported that they don't even find reading to kids fun, instead they see reading as a "subject to learn." In the study, researchers found that fewer than half (or 41%) of 0–4-year-olds are frequently read to. These findings represent a steep decline from 64% in 2012. They also discovered that boys and girls have different experiences when it comes to reading—only 29% of 0–2-year-old boys are read to every day or nearly every day compared to 44% of girls in the same age group. 'This study highlights the downfall of literacy in young children, which is such an important part of language development,' says Jocelyn M Wood, SLP, PLLC, a child development expert and bilingual speech language pathologist. 'Although we are just starting to see that less parents are taking the time to read with their children, the downwind effects will be tenfold,' says Wood. '[We will] begin to see children who lack language skills, critical thinking skills, and early literacy skills that come from book reading—not to mention the loss of bonding time with caregivers.' Despite the fact that reading aloud to babies and kids is a proven way to build a love of reading, improve vocabulary, enhance cognitive development, and more, researchers in the 2024 Understanding the Children's Book Consumer survey discovered that the amount of parents reading aloud to children is at an all-time low. Part of this could be attributed to unfavorable views on reading since many of the parents surveyed do not consider it an enjoyable pastime. In fact, researchers found that only 40% considered reading fun. And, about one in three Gen Z parents view reading as a subject to learn compared to one in five Gen X parents. That said, 34% of parents of kids 0-13 years old wish they had more time to read to their kids. 'The act of reading to children typically falls at the end of a very long, busy day in the life of a parent, where, honestly, more than anything, you just want to get your kid to bed so that you yourself can also take a breath,' says Jessica Sliwerksi, MS, co-founder and CEO of Ignite Reading, a reading intervention company. This is unfortunate given that reading with your child can actually be an extremely relaxing and pleasurable experience, says Sliwerski. Plus, it helps build a love of reading in them as well. According to Allison David, consumer insight director at Farshore and HarperCollins Children's Books, kids who are read to every day are three times more likely to choose to read on their own compared to kids who are only read to on a weekly basis. Literacy experts indicate there are a number of factors at play when it comes to the lack of desire and the loss of interest in reading to kids. From busy schedules to an overabundance of homework to get through first, it seems like reading for enjoyment is getting squeezed out. '[Parents also] may not understand the potential value of reading to their children; or how fun and engaging it can be,' says Stephanie Al Otaiba, PhD, a professor and the Patsy and Ray Caldwell Centennial Chair in Teaching and Learning at SMU. For this reason, some experts, like Matthew Danbrook, MA, a clinician with expertise in school and child psychology, believe that while reading to kids is undoubtedly important, society needs to put less pressure on parents. Instead, Danbrook feels the focus should be on helping parents learn how to instill a love of reading, especially since so many kids struggle with reading comprehension. The truth is, it can be mentally taxing for parents to try to teach a struggling reader to find reading fun. '[The HarperCollins study found] that parents are seeing reading as more of a schoolwork thing to do rather than it being a fun or enjoyable thing,' he says. 'This perception also could be influenced by the challenges that children face in learning to read. Approximately 5% to 10% of elementary-aged children are estimated to have a specific learning disability in reading, with many more being at risk.' While it may be obvious that reading to kids is important, some parents may not realize just how important that simple task is. One study found that young kids whose parents read to them will hear nearly 1.5 million more words by the time they turn 5 years old than kids who were not read to at all. Some literacy experts refer to this as the 'million word gap.' Reading aloud to your child also helps develop language and literacy skills, says Al Otaiba. 'It can foster communication, connection, and curiosity. It can build background knowledge. It can foster motivation to read, attention, and self-regulation. Reading can also help children learn about how letters and sounds relate to each other.' Kids are introduced to a range of concepts and ideas they may not experience in daily life when they are regularly read to, adds Wood. 'For example, we live in Brooklyn, so reading books about characters in other countries or in a more rural setting helps my son to empathize with other ways of life.' Moreover, reading together is a time to engage in joint attention, for kids to observe lip movements for new words, and develop socio-emotional learning such as empathy and co-regulation, she adds. 'When parents don't read to young children, those children do not develop language skills in the same way because they are hearing less language overall,' says Wood. 'Numerous studies have pointed to the difference in the number of words heard by children who are read to and not read to, and it would be impossible to make up that number in conversational speech alone. These children are also more likely to experience a learning disability later on, due to lack of exposure to language and print.' According to Wood, the best way to incorporate reading into your day is to make it part of your routine. She suggests reframing reading aloud to your kids—it doesn't have to take up a large chunk of time. Read when it's convenient for you and for as long as you are able to. Just spending 10 to 15 minutes reading a book together makes a huge difference, she says. Also, make sure you pick books that are fun to read, says Sliwerski. 'I think, oftentimes as parents, when we think about reading aloud, we think that we have to be reading really educational things, and those things, more often than not, can be less fun and exciting to read than maybe just a short, silly story.' Look for books that are exciting or will make you laugh, she says. 'In that moment, you are building this love of reading and this joy around reading together not just for your child but also for yourself.' Try not to overthink your book selections and focus on books that you both enjoy, she says. And, pick a time of day to read when it is convenient for both of you. 'Rather than doing it at the end of the day when you are just burnt out, what if it was books and breakfast?'Try reading during breakfast while you're both fresh and awake. While your child is eating, Sliwerski says pick a five-minute read, or even just a few pages of a book, and read together. It not only creates a new tradition, but it also relieves the pressure you may feel at the end of a long also recommends taking your child to the library or the bookstore and letting them select whatever book they want to read without judging them or telling them no. These books, she says, are gateway books that help them see reading as an enjoyable activity and can eventually lead them to fall in love with reading. 'The biggest piece of advice I can give as a parent and an educator is letting them read the silly, ridiculous books that they want to read like Dog Man and Captain Underpants, and all of the books with bathroom humor, that as a parent you might find absolutely mortifying,' says Sliwerski. 'Letting them load up on the comics and graphic novels and just anything they are excited to read is the way that you're going to unlock that love of reading.' Other tips for building a love for reading include: Find Relevant Books: Incorporate books that speak to your child's interests and reflect their community. Keep Reading Engaging: Select books with engaging elements such as pictures or textured pages and make sure to discuss them while reading. Integrate Multi-Media: Keep your child invested in the story by expanding their knowledge on the topic with multiple types of media. For example, if you just finished reading a book about the zoo, show them a movie about a trip to the zoo. Let Them Take Charge: Allow your kid to browse or look at books on their own. Use Different Languages: If your family is multi-lingual, try reading to your kids in a language other than the one you primarily speak. Read the original article on Parents
