In today’s digital age, it can feel like an almost impossible task to get your teen to put down their phone and pick up a book. With so many distractions at their fingertips— social media, games, TikTok — it’s no wonder that reading sometimes takes a back seat. But don’t worry; there are many ways to encourage your teen to rediscover the joys of reading without causing a family feud.
Here are some tips to help you get your teen off their phone and into a book.
Start with their interests
If you want your teen to read more, start by tapping into their existing interests. If they’re passionate about sports, find biographies of their favourite athletes. If they’re into fantasy, there’s a whole world of exciting series waiting to be explored. The key is to make reading feel like a natural extension of what they already love – if it feels less like you forcing them and more of a choice they made themselves, they’re far more likely to find real enjoyment in it.
Create a reading routine
One way to build a reading habit is to set aside specific times during the day for reading. This could be before bed, during a quiet weekend morning, or even as a family activity where everyone reads together. Creating a routine can make reading a normal part of daily life, rather than a chore.
Lead by example
Teens often mimic the behaviours they see in their parents. If you want your teen to read more, show them how much you enjoy reading yourself. Talk about the books you’re reading, share interesting passages, and discuss the themes and ideas that capture your imagination. Your enthusiasm can be contagious, and having a shared hobby can make it a lot more fun.
Set boundaries for screen time
While it’s important not to be overly restrictive, setting some boundaries around screen time can help make room for reading. For example, you might decide that phones and tablets are off-limits during meals or that there’s a “no screens after 9 PM” rule. Use this screen-free time as an opportunity to encourage your teen to pick up a book instead, and make sure the boundary extends to you too – again, leading by example is very powerful.
Make reading fun, not a punishment
It’s really important that reading doesn’t feel like a punishment or a forced activity. Try to make it enjoyable by allowing your teen to choose what they want to read, even if it’s a graphic novel or a magazine. By celebrating their reading achievements (no matter how small) you can create a positive association with reading that will be a valuable foundation for their future.
Incorporate technology into reading
Sometimes, meeting teens where they are — on their devices — can actually encourage reading. Consider introducing them to e-books, which they can enjoy on their phones or tablets. More accessible modes of reading, like audiobooks or text-to-speech software, can also be particularly helpful for those with reading difficulties such as dyslexia. Apps like Goodreads can also help them track their reading progress and connect with other book lovers.
Support their choices
Whatever your teen decides to read, support their choices. Whether they’re diving into the latest bestseller or exploring a classic novel, your encouragement can make a big difference. Praise their efforts and be there to discuss the stories and ideas they encounter along the way.
Find more tips
Getting your teen to read more may take time and patience, but it’s worth the effort. For more tips on encouraging positive habits and supporting your teen’s education journey, check out other blogs for parents on our website here.