New research has found that a fifth of parents with primary school-aged children do not spend time reading with them.
Furthermore, the YouGov poll of 448 parents in the UK shows that a third of parents do not think their primary school-aged children read enough books.
The survey also revealed that 54% of parents who have children aged 5-11 spend less than an hour a week reading to them
Reflecting the now digital-focused age, the survey found that 57% of parents use a digital device, such as a tablet, mobile, TV or film to distract their child, compared to a minor 10% who give their child a book for entertainment.
Moreover, (65 per cent) of parents said they set a good example with their own reading habits, whereas 29 per cent did not feel they did.
Reading results
The survey – which was commissioned by bookseller Book People – follows the company’s launch of its Bedtime Story Competition, which challenges young authors aged 5-11 to create a picture book on the theme of friendship. The winner will become a published author.
Sarah Walden, buying and merchandising director at Book People Group, said: “The findings from the survey are both intriguing and alarming and show that as a nation we can certainly do more to encourage the next generation of readers and authors.”
The UK was ranked 22nd for reading in the influential 2015 Pisa school rankings, behind countries such as Estonia, Slovenia, Poland and Australia.
Ms Walden added: “Electronic devices are always competing for everyone’s attention, but spending a couple hours a week reading with your children works out at less than 20 minutes a day and allows you to spend true quality time with them.”
