“Alexa, read a bedtime story”

New research reveals that half (51%) of parents in London have swapped books for tech at bedtime, using home assistants, apps, Facetime and voice notes to give their little one a story at night.

The study commissioned by the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, BookTrust, reveals a growing reliance on digital storytelling and tech, which the charity warns risks children missing out on the proven benefits of bedtime stories.

Figures show that while 39% of parents in London aim to share a story with their child every night, only a fifth (19%) manage to do so. Half of parents (51%) say work or commuting stops them getting home in time, while one in five (20%) simply feel “too busy”.

The poll suggests that tech is picking up the slack, as 81% of parents admit to giving their offspring time on a smartphone, tablet, YouTube or in front of the TV, instead of sharing a bedtime story.

For parents who read stories with their child at night, tech is now a widely established part of that routine, as over half (69%) say they would choose to use a smartphone, tablet, app or YouTube for the task.

The increasing normalisation of tech at bedtime may be unsurprising, as the survey also reveals that 42% of children aged 10 or younger now own a tablet, while one in 10 (14%) own both a tablet and a smartphone.  

In response, BookTrust and bestselling children’s author of the Horrid Henry series, Francesca Simon, are calling on parents to ditch tech and rediscover the joy of the bedtime story on Friday 7^th June by celebrating Pyjamarama, a nationwide fundraising campaign by BookTrust.

Pyjamarama asks Brits to donate £1 to wear their pyjamas all day on Friday 7^th June and celebrate the bedtime story in any way they like. All funds raised will go towards helping help BookTrust ensure that every child experiences the life changing benefits of access to books and reading.

Francesca Simon, bestselling author, comments: “Reading a bedtime story together is one of the best experiences families can share, and something tech cannot replace. The many evenings I spent immersed in books with my son, Joshua, until he was 11, not only inspired me to become a children’s author, but are also some of our best shared memories and gave my son the confidence, curiosity and thirst for learning that has set him up for life”.

Simon continues: “I’m supporting BookTrust’s Pyjamarama campaign because I’m hoping that on Friday 7^th June, families will ditch the tech, pay a pound to put on their PJs and rediscover the joy of a bedtime story. Together we can help to raise money so that BookTrust can reach families everywhere with books and support, to ensure that no child is missing out on the life changing benefits and joys of reading for pleasure.”

Gemma Malley, BookTrust Director, adds: “Life has never been busier and many parents are finding it harder and harder to fit in bedtime stories. I know from experience that it can be tempting to replace reading to your child with time on a device, but swapping books for tech can have profound consequences.”

“However, just ten minutes of reading a book together a day makes such a difference – it helps build children’s language, resilience, confidence and imagination and is an amazing way for families to bond. That’s why we want children and adults alike to celebrate Pyjamarama on Friday 7^th June and help BookTrust in its tireless work to make sure that even more children get bedtime stories”.

Schools, nurseries, businesses and individuals can sign up for Pyjamarama fundraising packs by visiting: booktrust.org.uk/pyjamarama. All monies raised will go towards funding BookTrust’s work in supporting more families. For just £25, BookTrust could provide 15 pre-school children living in women’s refuge centres with their own book pack.