Young people don't read for pleasure anymore

[david51058]

Why don't a lot of young people (not all) especially teenagers read for pleasure anymore? A good book beats any TV progam or film. Is it because it involves using their imagination? They seem to think it's only something that 'old' people do and they think it amusing to even suggest it. They really are missing out.

[ummmm]

My son takes himself off to bed an hour early every night so he can read in bed. I don't think my other son has picked up a book he hasn't HAD to read.

[jackthehat]

What are you basing your assumption upon ?

[McMouse]

The young people I know read for pleasure.....where does your assertion come from?

[zzxxee]

My youngest daughter is an avid reader, always up the library a real book worm.
eldest will read but just the glossy magazines.

[mightywease]

I would have thought that the popularity of the Twilight books and the Harry Potter Books kind of dispute that. But, as jack said, what are you basing this assumption on on?

[mccfluff]

my niece's love reading - where do you get your information from?

[AB Editor]

Most of the yoofs I know read for pleasure in one way or another.

There will always be a few who don't get it, can't do it or don't like it.

How old are you Dave, just out of interest?

Spare Ed

[ChuckFickens]

I'm going to take a stab at 52

[Sqad]

<<<<Why don't a lot of young people (not all) especially teenagers read for pleasure anymore?<<<

Your point is well taken, I would guess that although a lot of young people DO read for pleasure there is an increasing number that don´t.

I have no statistics on this, but base my comments on personal experience.

Why? there is little doubt that TV has played a big part...easily accessible, no effort or imagination needed and no journeys to the libraries.

Imagination? some kids have it and some don´t...........personally I have never read for pleasure and regret it........have only read for knowledge.

[rowanwitch]

So the success of childrens libraries is an illusion... ours in a very iffy area is always busy...I think the children probably read better than some of their parents

[gina32]

my daughter has always loved reading, if i sent her to her room as punishment it didint bother her as youd always find her reading, if i ever "lost" her in the supermarket the first place id go was to the books department and you could always find her sat on the floor reading a book, she still reads loads now and she is getting on for 30

[tiggerblue10]

Six libraries are closing down in the Croydon area due to lack of council funding. It is very sad and could contribute to the lack of reading in the future.

[david51058]

Well it's heartening to know there are so many that do. The majority that I know and have met don't, why? I have no idea. Does it depend on your background and where you come from perhaps?

[Sqad]

It is interesting reading the posts that almost all the replies related to girls....is that significant?

Might the boys be out playing football ect rather than reading?

[B00]

I wouldn't say that David no.

I've been brought up working class, and in reality probably lower working class, but I've always read.

I distinctly remember every Saturday morning my mum taking me to the local library after our weekly shop, she'd plop me in the childrens section, go to the adults section, then collect me again once we'd both chosen books for the following week.

My youngest daughter at 6 seems to be developing a love of books, and one which im encouraging as much as I can.

My eldest daughter on the otherhand, hardly ever read- simply wasn't interested, and maybe im biased as I still adore reading, but i think this shows in her written spelling, grammar and punctuation.

[Sqad]

pixi

...<<<<<<<.cant see as background as owt to do with it..<<<<<

Has any poster suggested that it has?.