Does anything beat a good book?
NEW figures have revealed that one in 10 homes in the UK does not contain a single book. The study also suggested the number of homes without a board game is increasing, but the average household now has at least eight internet-enabled devices. We asked our Email Jury if this was a welcome change in habits.
It matters that we should not lose our abilities to read, write and count without electronic devices. Liz Kelly, Glasgow.
Parents need to take time to read to their kids every night. Look at children and adults sitting together, playing with their phones and not making conversation. Jean-Claude Huntzinger, Lochgelly.
Books are educationally important. Internet-based devices have their place but nothing beats a family sitting round the table playing a board game. William McLaughlin, Preston.
It is so sad, but I suppose that is progress. It also means there will be less contact amongst family members in the future – no sitting round and having family sing-songs. David Hillerby, Durham.
I have board games in the attic which my family and I almost wore out in the past. My youngest granddaughter, who is a slave to her mobile, usually asks for a board game for her birthday or Christmas, so there is still hope! Joan Fordyce, Forfar.
Books boost your imagination and help children to read and express themselves. Being constantly bombarded with pictures and fast-moving information is not good for anyone long-term. Elizabeth O’Regan, Lincoln.
There is nothing better than losing yourself in a good book or playing board games with the family. Computers will never replace that. Irene Allison, Airdrie.
Children should not be fixated with internet-related devices. They appear to have lost the art of conversation. Life is becoming so impersonal, it’s a shame. Bea Smith, Doncaster.
Internet devices lead to a solitary lifestyle. By not reading books, children miss being transported into wonderful scenes and adventures. Allison Scotland, Roxburghshire.
We have to move with the times. Books take up a lot of space and you can get a lot of them on a tablet. Hamilton McLean, Harwood.