Surveys indicate that the number of children who regularly read books is steadily declining. In a time when TV shows, online videos and mobile games are all competing for (and winning) children’s attention, reading is taking a back seat. Yet most reading experiences begin at home.
According to recent data, the increased screen time among young children may be significantly reducing such foundational experiences. One reason is that today’s parents themselves read less compared to the previous generations. A UK survey shows that in 2014, 11% of children under the age of 2 were spending 1 to 3 hours a day on screens. By 2019, this number had jumped to 42%. Similarly, a 2019 study by the National Institutes of Health (USA) revealed that 1-year-olds spent an average of 53 minutes daily on screens, which increased to 150 minutes a day by the time they turned 3.
In such a context, the act of parents reading aloud to children becomes all the more important.
Reading aloud at home was once a common and cherished activity. But today, for a variety of reasons, it is becoming increasingly rare-busy lifestyles, working parents, mobile distractions and changing attitudes toward reading top the list. Parents who grew up surrounded by screens often don’t read for enjoyment themselves. As children’s screen time increases, the likelihood that parents will read to them decreases.
In a 2025 UK survey, only 41% of parents said they read regularly to their children aged 4 or under. In 2012, this number was 64%. Among parents of 5 to 7-year-olds, only 36% reported reading to their children consistently.
Yet, one point was unanimously agreed upon by the parents who participated in the survey: Reading aloud to children is a truly delightful experience.
Studies show how perceptions of reading have evolved. Generation Z parents (born between 1997 and 2012) are more likely to see reading as something children have to do for school, rather than a rich or enjoyable experience-a shift compared to older generations like Millennials or Gen X.
But reading aloud offers a beautiful bonding experience between parent and child. It helps build relationships and introduces children to the joy of storytelling and language especially when the reader brings the story to life with a little drama or expression.
Children who are read to regularly not only begin to enjoy the experience but often feel inspired to read on their own. In fact, children who are read to daily are three times more likely to choose independent reading than those who are only read to weekly.
Listening to stories read aloud brings tremendous developmental benefits. According to Carol St. George, Director at the Warner School of Education and Human Development, University of Rochester, reading aloud builds vocabulary and enhances a child’s understanding of the world.
And it only takes 15 minutes a day. So, here’s the real question: Are you willing to set aside just 15 minutes a day for your child?
