Restrictions on social media use for Australian children under 16 provide an opportunity to reengage children and teens with reading in their leisure time. So how can we support them to bring books back into their daily lives?
Reading for pleasure has a range of benefits for children and teens – reducing stress and anxiety, boosting cognitive development, and supporting literacy and educational achievement. But more importantly, it’s also just fun!
But new Australian research has shown that children and teen’s leisure time has been increasingly dominated by social media use, at the expense of reading and other recreational activities.
With the social media ban coming to Australia, it’s an opportunity to bring books back into children and teen’s daily lives. So how can we support them on this journey?
Help them find their next great read
With so many great books out there, it can be hard to choose what to read next. Especially for those children and teens who haven’t picked up a book in a while, finding the right book may feel overwhelming.
As our recent research shows, not enjoying or prioritising book browsing is a major barrier to regular reading. It also reveals that book browsing is a skill and, as such, can be developed.
Support and upskill children and teens in how to find books that align with their interests and experiences – whether that’s running sessions in your school library, taking them along to your local bookshop and getting the support of trained and knowledgeable staff, or finding online forums for book sharing and recommendations.
Let children lead (and don’t judge!)
Research shows that children are more likely to enjoy and finish a book they have picked out themselves. So instead of gifting a book you think they’ll like, why not take them along to the bookshop or library to browse and select their own?
In supporting children’s autonomy of choice, it’s important to adopt a non-judgemental approach to what they choose to read. Whether it’s sci-fi, romantasy, or graphic novels, it’s helpful to stay away from concepts like ‘good’ or ‘bad’ books. Show interest in their choices and be supportive of their exploration of genres and formats.
Build their confidence
Behavioural science tells us that if we think we’re good at something (i.e. have a strong sense of ‘capability’) we’re more likely to do it and enjoy it.
In order to build children’s engagement with reading, it’s important to boost their sense of confidence as a ‘reader’. Reinforce to children and teens that it’s okay to try books and not finish or like them. This doesn’t make them a ‘bad reader’ – they just haven’t found the right book for them!
Similarly, even if children are only reading a few books a year, it’s important to recognise and celebrate them as ‘readers’.
Embrace all formats
While some children and teens may love the idea of curling up quietly with their favourite novel, it might not suit everyone (particularly with rising challenges to attention spans!)
Audiobooks are a great way to integrate reading into children and teens’ daily lives – while commuting, doing chores or just chilling out. They are also a great way to engage children who may have reading difficulties or learning disorders such as dyslexia.
Likewise, graphic novels provide a more visual approach to storytelling, and ebooks are a handy way to access books on-the-go.
Make reading social
Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Some of the greatest joys of reading are in discussing, sharing and recommending books with friends and family.
Research shows that teens who see their peers reading around them, are more likely to do it themselves. So encouraging activities like book clubs, shared reading, or informal book chats will help increase engagement with reading, as well as the perception of reading as a ‘social norm’.
Show how its done
Want to see your child reading more? Start with yourself.
Studies show that children teens who see reading modelled in their home are more likely to read than teens who don’t see the adults in their lives reading.
Seeing adult role models engage with reading for pleasure – both in the school and home environment – is an important and influential way to get young people engaged with reading.
Whether it’s your school’s principal sharing what they’re reading in the school newsletter, or parents taking time out to read on family holidays – there are a range of ways to model the value and joys of reading.
Encourage through joy (not punishment)
Research shows that young people who read for interest and enjoyment have significantly higher reading frequency than young people who read due to external motivation (such as avoiding punishment or obtaining rewards).
Nobody likes being forced to do something they don’t want to, and continuing down this path may risk leading to long-term negative associations with reading.
But there are gentle ways to encourage the habit – through positive reinforcement, curiosity, and modelling the behaviour yourself.