Technology has had both positive and negative effects on reading among students, according to a study released by Scholastic Inc. The study finds that more children ages 6 to 17 are using digital devices to read. However, the technology is not necessarily driving an increased desire among students to read, according to researchers who found a drop in students who were self-described as frequent readers. The cause, researchers say, could be attributed to the use of tablets and other devices that allow for activities other than reading.
Digital reading is rising fast among children ages 6 to 17, but this is not necessarily translating into a greater desire to read, according to a report released on Monday by Scholastic Inc.
Every other year since 2006, Scholastic, a publisher and distributor of children’s books, has surveyed American families about their attitudes toward reading and literacy.
The latest study, the Kids and Family Reading Report, conducted with Harrison Group, showed both the advantages and the drawbacks of the digital age when it comes to encouraging reading among young people.
For example, the percentage of children who have read an e-book has almost doubled since 2010, to 46 percent. Yet, during the same period, the number of girls who reported being frequent readers declined to 36 percent from 42 percent.
The survey, conducted from Aug. 29 to Sept. 10, 2012, was based on a sample of 1,074 children and their parents: 2,148 respondents in total.
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