Children’s smartphone use linked to decreased reading interest in Iceland study

Children who spend more time on their phones during school hours show less interest in reading, according to a study conducted by Kristján Ketill Stefánsson, a lecturer at the University of Iceland’s Faculty of Education. The research, which surveyed over 15,000 students from grades 6 to 10 across 120 schools, suggests a correlation between phone usage in school and diminished reading interest. However, Stefánsson notes that the study does not establish a definitive causal link between screen time and reading enthusiasm.

Overall, children’s interest in reading has significantly declined since the turn of the century. Data indicates that only 33% of students in the 10th grade reported reading only when necessary back then; this figure has now risen to about 60%. The findings imply that students who spend a considerable amount of time on their smartphones during school are less likely to engage with reading compared to those who use their devices infrequently.

Furthermore, the survey reveals that 81% of students in grades 6 to 10 carry smartphones at school, with a higher prevalence among older students. Some children reportedly spend up to three hours on their phones during school hours, highlighting a critical need to maintain literacy training throughout primary education to counteract this trend.