Cell Phones and a Cashless Society

Children of 7 More Likely to Own a Cell Phone Than a Book

May 28, 2010

Daily Mail - Researchers, who surveyed more than 17,000 school children aged seven to 16, revealed a strong link between reading ability and access to books in the home.

They found that more than three quarters of children who read above the expected level for their age had books of their own, while only 58 per cent who read below their expected level had books of their own.

Some 93 per cent of young people who had books of their own believed that reading was important to succeed in life, compared to 80 per cent of those who didn't have books of their own.

The study found that 85.5 per cent of pupils have their own mobiles, compared with 72.6 per cent who have their own books. Among children in Key Stage Two -- ages seven to 11 -- 79.1 per cent have their own mobile compared with 72.7 per cent who have access to books.

The research was carried out as part of the National Literacy Trust's Tell Me a Story campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the need for families to support children's literacy in the home.

Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust, said:

'Our research illustrates the clear link with literacy resources at home and a child's reading ability.

'By ensuring children have access to reading materials in the home, families can help them to do well at school and to enjoy opportunities throughout their life.'

He added: 'One in six children in the UK will grow up without the literacy skills they need to fulfil their potential. We are campaigning to change this.'

The findings come after an American study revealed that keeping just 20 books in the home could boost children's chances of doing well at school.

Research led by Nevada University said that children coming from a 'bookish home' remained in education about three years longer than young people born into families with empty bookshelves, irrespective of parents' own education, occupation and social class.

Meanwhile a study from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, has revealed that mobile phones made youngsters less thoughtful and more prone to making mistakes.

Last year, 11-year-olds' English national curriculum test results dropped for the first time since Sats were introduced in the mid-90s. Eighty per cent of pupils in England reached level four -- the expected standard for their age -- compared with 81 per cent the previous year.