Books and reading have been a consistent source of pleasure, learning, and solace for a long time. However the new generation has voraciously taken to online activities in place of reading books.

I can observe that the use of electronic devices has become deeply embedded into the childhood experience. Is it possible that this trend will adversely impact decision-making later in life or even contribute to a sense of dissatisfaction and an inability for reflection as these kids grow older?

I am worried but not surprised that more and more kids have access to web-based devices such as tablets, smart-phones or iPods of their own and are using these devices without adult supervision. It is common for parents nowadays to put a child in front of screens so that they can stay entertained without bothering the parents. Maybe this is a simple solution for restless children. However are the parents being needlessly careless and ignorant? It comes to my mind that the lack of parental supervision is even more worrisome as compared to the use of mobile devices itself by children at a young age.

Recently my son’s elementary school teacher told me that it is a challenge nowadays to read a story in class to young children because many of them are easily distracted or not interested at all. Is the proliferation of mobile devices among young children to blame?

I had a discussion along these lines with my children at home. They told me point blank that “books are not cool anymore”. I was not happy when I heard that. I believe that if children are sitting by themselves glued to this “digital candy” and parents do not do anything, there is the distinct possibility of a negative impact on the kids’ early mental and social development.

I think the best way to tackle this challenge is to have a conversation with children to guide them. At the same time, parents need to understand that online mobile devices are not going away. They will continue to be accessible and increasingly more affordable. They may also become the easiest way of accessing knowledge. Children can just google search whatever they want and have access to it mostly for free.

Unlike books, internet content is often not taken as seriously, not only by the readers but by the content providers themselves. Anyone can start a website and post material on it, but not everyone can author a book.

Furthermore web-directed activities do not require the same degree of engagement and reflection as compared to books (and other creative activities).

The net is designed as a massive interruption system geared to dividing attention. Can this not result is diminishing attention spans among young minds. Younger children can struggle to maintain balance when being excessively focused on online activities.

Parents need to explain to children the benefits of books. Reading encourages young children to think, engage their imaginations, and expand their knowledge. And those children who read early in life develop better understanding of phonics and language. This is believed to result in superior communication, improved memory, strong analytical thinking, better writing, focus and concentration.

It is important that children should know that books are interactive, requiring the readers to imagine out what they are reading. For example when children are reading about the superman character, they imagine themselves having supernatural powers. It’s a much more subtle process for them compared to an online experience. There are studies that reading habit makes children more empathetic as they experience life through the eyes of others. A book contains the self-expression of the author in his or her attempt to express or explain.

I remember that I used to read bedtime stories to my children when they were small. This helped develop their imagination skills and made them feel secure, while helping to put them to sleep as well. However as they have grown up I notice with frustration that the books are piling up on their bedside table. Instead of reading they are now spending too many hours online, watching video or playing other irresistible online games.

What it really true? A book contains the self-expression of the author in his or her attempt to express or explain. Books take time to write through thorough research and study. I would also point out that the web can have a bad influence on children because of exposure to sex and violence. However since we self-select books, they tend to be safer and “good friends” of children.

I know that we all are so addicted with the technology that sometimes we are simply powerless. It is a difficult habit to break. In most situations I am failing too. However I try to restrict my kids’ time on internet and push them to read books.

I strongly believe that it is the job of parents to teach children how to make the right choices in life. The web is here to stay and it will continue to attract a lot of kids’ attention. The aim for parents should be to encourage kids to find the best possible balance between time spent online and offline.

We need to be remember that young children need “laps more than apps” in order to stay healthy and creative readers.