The Future of Traditional Books
Parents fear that traditional books will soon become obsolete as children increasingly use technology such as iPads. A new survey reveals that more than a third of kids try to pinch pages to zoom or look for an "on" button, highlighting the growing influence of technology on young minds.
The Impact of Technology on Reading Habits
With the ever-growing influence of technology and gadgets like tablets, nearly eight in 10 parents fear that traditional books could become obsolete. The survey, conducted by The Works, found that almost half of those surveyed said children raised on screens have difficulty concentrating and that many only read because school tells them to. Additionally, about 68 percent of children now choose technology for games and apps instead of reading.
Challenges Facing Traditional Books
One of the major challenges facing traditional books is their perceived expense. Half of parents avoid buying books because they claim they’re just too expensive. This, combined with the growing preference for technology, poses a significant threat to the future of traditional books.
Hope for the Future of Books
However, there is still hope for the future of books. Almost half of respondents said they enjoy reading for pleasure, indicating that there is still a strong appetite for traditional reading. The Works, in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, has launched a new initiative to distribute free books across the UK, aiming to bring books directly into communities and help families rediscover the joy of reading together.
Bringing Books to Communities
The Find Your Story Book Bus tour, which starts in Wythenshawe, Manchester, aims to give every child a free book and inspire a lifelong love of reading. Through this initiative, The Works hopes to inspire imagination, confidence, and creativity in children, and ensure that more children across the UK can find their story. By promoting reading and providing access to books, The Works is committed to supporting the National Year of Reading and inspiring a love of reading in children.
