Study links excessive smartphone use to decreased reading interest among children in Iceland

Excessive smartphone use during school hours appears to negatively impact children’s interest in reading. A study conducted by Kristján Ketil Stefánsson, a lecturer at the University of Iceland’s Faculty of Education, analyzed data from over 15,000 students in grades 6 to 10 across 120 schools. The findings suggest a correlation between smartphone usage and reduced interest in reading. However, Kristján emphasized that the research does not definitively prove a causal relationship between screen time and reading engagement.

The study reveals that children spending more time on smartphones during school are less likely to enjoy reading compared to those who use their devices minimally or not at all. Alarmingly, interest in reading among children has plummeted since the turn of the millennium, with 33 percent of tenth graders admitting they read only when necessary. Today, that figure has risen to about 60 percent of students indicating they read solely when required.

According to the survey, 81 percent of students in grades 6 to 10 possess smartphones at school, with usage being more prevalent among older students. Some children reportedly spend around three hours on their devices during school hours. The research highlights the importance of maintaining literacy training throughout elementary school to counteract these trends and promote a greater love for reading among students.