Reading and Electonic Devices

I'm speaking out about electronic devices. Though I see their advantages for adults, all too often smart phones to iPads become just another electronic babysitter. Instead of engaging children while shopping, you see young children, even infants, sitting in the shopping carts staring down at a screen watching some character move through a series of obstacles. Conversations with children are so very important to their development of language! By putting your child in front of any electronic device, according to research, can have a huge impact on how they process information and their overall behavior.

In this article from the Huffington Post (10 Reason Why Handheld Devices Should Be Banned for Children under 12), The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Society of Pediatrics state infants aged 0-2 years should not have any exposure to technology(no DVD's or TV), 3-5 years be restricted to one hour per day, and 6-18 years restricted to 2 hours per day (AAP 2001/13, CPS 2010). Though we do know that children and youth use 4-5 times the recommended amount of technology, with serious and often life threatening consequences (Kaiser Foundation 2010, Active Healthy Kids Canada 2012)
 
Another article asks the question, "Could ebooks actually get in the way of reading?" According to research, digital devices can be distracting, leading to diminished comprehension, fluency and engagement. Students reading comprehension is much better when using print. I know for myself, if I reading an ebook I tend to stop every few pages to check my email, FaceBook, even the weather! It is extremely difficult to stay on task, no matter how much I love the book.


We all know digital devices are here to stay. How we use them, and any new technology, is the key. Helping our children be the best they can be is important and the Library offers a tremendous collection of print materials to support your child's reading habit.

I often wonder if children would have been as absorbed in the Harry Potter if the popular series would have had to compete with today's technology.

Stop in. We love recommending books.