Media Landscape/Childrens Reading Habits in a Digitized World

Abstract

The daily life and media consumption of our children has been radically transformed through the introduction of digital devices and services. Reading is no longer limited to physical books and is increasingly performed online via social media, games etc. The role of the public library as a cornerstone in children’s reading habits is also changing. But reading is as important as ever. So how do we create a strong culture of reading in this vast array of new settings for reading?

The Danish Think Tank ‘Libraries of the Future’ has produced the largest national studies of children’s reading habits. The study “Children’s Reading Habits 2017” is a mix of two data sets: 1) A quantitative analysis based upon data from almost 9,000 children aged 9-14 studying children’s media usage, reading and library habits. 2) An in-depth qualitative analysis focusing on children in 6th grade where the reading behavior is changing radically.

Main findings • Children are spending less time on reading in their spare time and the decline is greatest among girls • Children mainly read in school and not at home. • Children find it difficult to read longer text. • 57% of the children read only because their parents tell them to. • 70% of all children read text messages every day on a digital device • 79% of all children don’t read e-books • The public library gets the lowest rank as a source of inspiration for reading. Top 3 is friends, movies and their mother.

Strategic recommendations - It’s a shared task to ensure literate generations – both schools, libraries and parents must partake - Children aged 9-14 still need adults actively helping them with a good culture of reading. - The school and public library partnership is essential. - Public libraries must rethink their outreach effort – all children go to school, but not all children go to the library. - The lack of digital reading calls for action.