Viewpoint | Why Newspapers Matter For Children

In the last two weeks, two states, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, have made daily newspaper reading mandatory in government schools to promote reading habits, improve vocabulary and build general awareness among children. Both the governments have introduced a dedicated news reading slot during the morning assembly for students to help curb excessive screen time. Also, they hope this reading habit will familiarise students with current affairs and help them to develop an ability to understand and analyse news at an early stage.

In other states, reading newspapers is not compulsory in schools, but libraries have newspapers and students are encouraged to read them. Of course, reading newspapers in schools is not new. This columnist remembers her school days when a student was made to come prepared with the day’s headlines and read them out during the morning assembly. Even now, some schools do this exercise.

This daily reading exercise will not only improve students' general knowledge and enhance overall awareness but also help them to prepare better for competitive examinations.

Though there is no measurable link between newspaper reading and reduced screen time, the habit will definitely reduce the impact of screen time to some extent. A physical newspaper requires kids to slow down and read patiently. It will help them to grasp the content better than scrolling through information on a screen. Reading triggers imagination and curiosity, results in thinking and leads to expansion of the mind. Reading needs sustained attention and cognitive engagement. And passive screen consumption can be less appealing to children.

Sir Francis Bacon, a well-known English philosopher and statesman of the 17h century, had succinctly said all one needs to know about reading. “Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an exact man.”

When reading can reduce distractions, improve attention and make children focussed, it is time reading newspapers was made compulsory in all schools.