The government has announced plans to ban social media for under-16s.
At the heart of the discussion surrounding the announcement is one simple question: what kind of childhood do we want for our children?
Over the last two years, BookTrust, together with Waterstones Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, have been thinking a lot about this, most recently in Frank’s ‘The Kids Are Not Alright’ lecture.
Through our work, we know that parents want reading to be a key part of childhood because it creates the foundation for wellbeing, connection, and happiness, not just improved literacy outcomes.
The neuroscience behind shared reading
Neuroscience shows us that the early developmental benefits of reading with a trusted adult can’t be replicated by a screen.
Digital formats interrupt interaction and move too quickly for young brains. Physical books let adults go at the child’s pace, follow their interests, and respond to cues.
They also support emotional connection and belonging, when shared as part of a loving relationship.
What families tell us
In BookTrust’s National Family Survey the number of young children being read to daily has fallen to 49%, down from 60% in 2021, even though the proportion of young children reported to like or love reading is up to 80% from 65% over the same period.
At the same time, many parents are feeling the pull of screens. More than a third worry about their child’s screen use, including over a quarter of those with babies under one.
And nearly half say that sharing stories helps their child spend less time on screens, showing that reading can be a simple, positive way for families to reconnect.
More than a third of parents worry about their child’s screen use, including over a quarter of those with babies under one
Families want their children to read more, but they need support to make it happen – and this is where our reading programmes come in.
Through our Bookstart Baby programme, over 500,000 families each year receive support and guidance to embed a regular reading habit into family life, as well as their baby’s first book. Our work supports over 1.4 million children and families in every community each year.
Reading is a right for every child
As humans we are a species of rhythm, of storytelling, of connection.
We believe it is a right – not a privilege – for every child to hear stories and experience books from their very earliest days.
Our vision is of a world where reading is a part of everyday life for all children and families.
In an increasingly noisy world, full of pressure and distraction, books offer a safe and calming way for children to explore their feelings, free from judgement.
