A dad has shared footage showing the impact reading to his son from an early age has had.
Technology has opened up any number of new and inventive avenues to help children learn about themselves and the world. But the availability and immediacy of this new technology does have its downsides, particularly when it comes to screen time.
Parents of kids aged 3 to 5 may occasionally turn to a device to help calm a child following a tantrum. However, a 2022 study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics found that this screen time was ultimately inhibiting the child's ability to better regulate their emotions and would likely result in repeat behavior.
Another 2022 study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health identified a link between increased screen time and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) diagnosis. Researchers found the likelihood of 9 to 10-year-olds to be diagnosed with OCD increased 15 percent for every hour spent playing video games and 11 percent for every hour watching videos.
A recent Forbes survey concluded that 42 percent of U.S. children have a smartphone by the age of 10, with videos and games suddenly a few swipes away.
Armando Hart is a little less concerned about his 10-year-old son Raya's phone habits. From an early age, the teacher and author agreed, alongside his wife, to center Raya's life around reading.
"Prioritizing my son's reading over phone use was a natural decision for us," Hart told Newsweek. "My wife and I firmly believe in the power of literature to expand the mind and nurture creativity."
Benefits of Reading From an Early Age
Hart is right in that assessment. A 2023 study, published in the journal Psychological Medicine, of more than 10,000 young adolescents in the U.S. concluded that children who start reading for pleasure from an early age tended to fare better in cognitive testing and had better mental health in their adolescent years.
Dr. Ulrick Vieux, director of child and adolescent psychiatry education and training at Hackensack University Medical Center, told Newsweek: "The benefits of reading is that it provides an opportunity to build and improve language skills. It offers an opportunity to learn empathy and confront challenging feelings. Research has shown that kids who are fortunate to have parents or caregivers read to them have expanded vocabulary as compared to kids who do not."
For Hart and his wife, that began by reading to their son every night before bed in the hope it would "instill a love for books" in Raya. But it was more than just that.
"It was all about leading by example and creating a nurturing environment where reading was celebrated," Hart said. "We made sure to provide him with a wide range of books that matched his interests and encouraged him to explore different genres."
Though these foundations proved crucial, Hart said it's helped that Raya "genuinely loves to read." That much was evident in a video posted to TikTok, under the handle lifeinmotion08 showing Hart sitting in a car with his son, who has his head in a novel.
"Give them books instead of phones when they are little and this is the result," the caption reads. "Thank me later." Hart acknowledged that some "balance" is required and Raya is given access to technology such as using an iPad for his art. "It's all about finding that equilibrium between technology and more traditional forms of entertainment," he said.
Even so, he believes it's "crucial" for parents to encourage their kids to read. "Reading not only expands their vocabulary and comprehension skills but also fosters imagination, critical thinking, and empathy," he said. "It opens doors to new worlds, ideas, and perspectives, which are invaluable in shaping a well-rounded individual."
It goes beyond simply reading to your kids and filling their bookshelves though. To Hart's way of thinking, dads must "be present, be engaged, and prioritize quality time together."
"Ask questions, share stories, build things together, eat together, and create a supportive environment where reading is valued," he said. "Building strong self-esteem through positive interactions is crucial in shaping our children's character and resilience."
'Screen Time Has a Place and Purpose'
Some experts are keen to stress that screen time has a place in the development of children today. Dr. Norline Wild, assistant professor of early childhood education at Niagara University, told Newsweek: "Books are powerful, and time spent reading and exploring books is essential to cognitive and social emotional development. However, screen time has a place and purpose."
Dr. Wild explained: "It could itself involve reading, connecting with friends and family, researching an interesting topic, or completing an assignment. Caregivers need to be intentional in their own behavior and in the expectations they set for children."
Hart acknowledged the necessary role screens can play, albeit in moderation. "It's essential for parents to strike a balance, promoting reading and other offline activities alongside responsible use of technology," he said.
However, he maintains that books can help counter any of the negatives associated with screen time. "By instilling a love for reading early on, parents can help mitigate the potential negative effects of excessive screen time and empower their children to navigate the digital world with wisdom and discernment," he said.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Jack Beresford is a Newsweek Senior Internet Culture & Trends Reporter, based in London, UK. His focus is reporting on ... Read more
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