EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A recent survey by non-profit organization “BookSpring” shows that the number of children’s books in homes is declining.
They surveyed more than 300 Americans with children 12 or younger about their reading habits and the number of books they had at home.
Their findings show that the ratio of books per child is around 13 to 1. However, the organization says research has shown that children who grow up in homes with at least 20 children’s books are more likely to be successful. at school.
Perhaps the most alarming finding of the survey is that 61% of low-income families have no books at home.
The study says economic stress combined with the Covid-19 pandemic and extreme weather events across the country have created a difficult environment for low-income families with children.
However, the researchers also note that a decrease in the number of books printed at home may be partly explained by an increase in the use of digital reading devices.
The survey indicated that around 87% of families read to their child using a digital device.
But “Bookspring” also says that previous studies have indicated that children learn best with printed books, at least in their early years.
