Children’s reading apps are turning screen time into joyful, curiosity-led reading adventures that families can feel good about.
Erin Bailey, Ed.D.
Vice President of Literacy Programs and Research, Reading Is Fundamental
While U.S. literacy rates are at a historic low, there is an underlying trend exacerbating this crisis: declines in time spent reading. Recent survey data demonstrates a steep decrease in families reading with their children at home. The most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress data reports that only 39% of 9-year-olds read daily for fun.
Many have concluded that time spent on devices is a key driver in the decline of reading. An analysis of decades of media trends found that the number of youths who spend time reading daily has decreased by more than 40% since 1976.
However, a 2024 study by Nielsen BookData provides insight and optimism about the future of reading behaviors on devices. Both smartphones and tablets were increasingly used for reading activities — up 26% and 46%, respectively. These activities include reading books, having books read aloud, listening to audiobooks, reading comics and magazines, and watching story videos.
So, how do reading activities on devices compare to print reading activities? The answer: it varies. Any adult will tell you whether they prefer reading print or digitally. Often, these preferences coincide with individual perspectives on whether reading comprehension is better with print or digital books, one’s preference for the feel or smell of a print book, or the efficiency of carrying a single device with thousands of stories.
eBooks can offer unique features, including text highlighting and interactive dictionaries, to enhance reading comprehension. A Harvard study found that when parents and children engage in reading eBooks together, they exhibit the same positive language and literacy behaviors as with print books.
Tips for shared eBook reading
Whether waiting at the dentist or laundromat, eBooks provide greater opportunities to access books and engage children in reading. For families looking to transition their time on devices from scrolling to storytelling, here are some tips:
- Look for high-quality eBooks that include features such as narration, text highlighting, a dictionary, and “forward/backward” buttons to help young children learn page directionality.
- Be intentional when you read. Close other apps and avoid multitasking.
- As you read, discuss the story. Allow your child to guide your conversation by pointing out parts they enjoy. Ask who, what, when, where, how, and why questions to build your child’s comprehension.
- After you read, make connections and ask your child if they can relate to any characters or what they think will happen next. These types of conversations deepen your child’s understanding.
- Many public libraries offer access to a digital library of eBooks to explore with your family. Or, the kids’ reading app Skybrary is another great resource that offers 100 free eBooks with read-to-me narration and highlighting for fluency.
We may continue to see declines in the consumption of print media, but that does not mean that engaging in literacy activities needs to decline. By working with technology, families can increase time spent reading and make it a transformative practice.
