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Less than half of parents read to their children

Irish children are reading less and using technology more, as 68% of under 12s now own a smart de...
Newstalk
Newstalk

14.28 27 Feb 2017


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Less than half of parents read...

Less than half of parents read to their children

Newstalk
Newstalk

14.28 27 Feb 2017


Share this article


Irish children are reading less and using technology more, as 68% of under 12s now own a smart device.

A survey carried out by St Michael's House found that almost one in four children (23%) are now using the device as part of their bedtime routine, with parents stating that more than half of children (55%) prefer screen time to reading.

Just under half (49%) of parents read to their children most nights, with almost 29% saying that they never do. 43% of children spend more than 45 mins on a device per day.

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The survey was carried out in advance of the charity’s annual ‘Bring A Book, Buy A Book’  fundraising campaign, which encourages schools, businesses and communities to donate their second hand books which can then by bought by their peers for just €2 per book. The campaign encourages people to close a screen and open a book.

Barbara Wiseman, Head of Communications St Michael’s House, commented: "Our statistics show that we are all – our children included - perhaps overlooking the joy of reading a book as we instead use technology and devices to wind down at the end of a day. We would urge parents to take the time during World Book Week to pick up some books, and get reading again."

 


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