Study finds time spent on electronic devices is the biggest obstacle to children reading

There is no denying that children – and adults – today are spending more and more time on electrical devices.

And while smartphones and tablets are here to stay, and have many positive benefits and uses too, a new study confirms that a whopping 47 percent of parents agree that time spent on electronic devices is the biggest obstacle to children reading. These findings prompted Easons, Ireland’s longest standing book retaile, to launch their new 'Switch Off and Read’ campaign, which aims to improve literacy, foster a love of reading among children in Ireland and encourage parents and children to spend less time on screens and more time reading.   As part of the work prioer to launching their campaign, Eason carried out research centred on the importance of childhood reading which highlights how using electronic devices can impede on time spent reading with almost half of people polled agreeing that time spent on electronic devices is the biggest obstacle to children reading. The research carried out by Eason also concluded that 84 percent of Irish people believe reading books is an important part of a child’s development and 62 percent perceive parents to be the greatest influence on children reading. Despite parent’s willingness to read and a clear understanding of the importance of reading with their kids 74 percent would like to have more time to read and 52 percent experiencing guilt for not reading with their children enough. As part of the 'Switch Off and Read' campaign Eason have announced a partnership with Suas, Ireland’s leading children's literacy charity. Speaking this week, John Logue, CEO Suas said; “For children in disadvantaged communities, literacy changes everything. It is the means through which every child, regardless of their circumstances, can realise their potential. Our ambition is to end childhood illiteracy in Ireland’s most disadvantaged communities. With Eason’s support, we are taking a big step towards achieving that ambition." To support this commitment Eason is also donating 1,500 books to the children Suas are mentoring as part of their literacy programme. For more information visit EASON https://www.facebook.com/EasonsIreland/ https://www.instagram.com/eason_ireland/ and SUAS  www.suas.ie