A recent study by the National Literacy Trust has just completed a rather interesting study. It surveyed over 35,000 children aged from 8 to 16 with regards a variety of subjects. One of the most startling results although perhaps not altogether surprising is the fact that young people would much prefer to read something on a screen than written down.
Of course people and especially the young have been brought up in a screen based culture. Mobile phones, laptops and tablets are all over our home and it is inevitably one of these that our children will reach for when looking for information. How many of us I wonder have rows of encyclopedias or reference books which hardly get a look in any more – want to know something you’ll probably look on the internet.
The figures came in at 52% of those surveyed would rather read something on a screen than written down. 32% still preferred normal print and the rest didn’t express a preference. Of these young people, almost 39% will read something on a screen every day compared to 28% with normal print.
In the UK now 97% have access to computer and the internet at home, in fact 77% of children sad that they had their own computer. When questioned about other related areas like newspapers and current news affairs the pattern was repeated with most seeking their information from a screen.
In fact the internet is becoming part of most aspects of our childrens lives. From research, news and socialising – much of it is done virtually using the internet. Even traditional screen based entertainment is being affected with people often watch videos and even TV online using a computer rather than a traditional TV. Using various technologies to watch favorite programs via laptops and iPads like this site demonstrates - http://www.uktv-online.com/online-british-tv-abroad/, which they can even use abroad on holiday.
National Literacy Trust director Jonathan Douglas said: “Our research confirms that technology is playing a central role in young people’s literacy development and reading choice.
“While 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.”