LiPAN Warns Excessive Screen Time Could Harm Children’s Reading Habits

Literacy Promotion Association of Nigeria has urged parents to limit young children’s exposure to digital devices, warning that excessive screen time could undermine efforts to develop reading habits and strengthen early literacy.

The association’s President, Prof Nkechi Christopher, made the call at its 20th Biennial Conference, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday.

Christopher urged parents to prioritise activities that promote reading and learning rather than relying on mobile phones, tablets and other electronic devices to keep children occupied.

The conference, themed “Early Literacy Development in Nigeria: Strengthening Foundations for Learning and National Development,” was organised in conjunction with the University of Ibadan’s Department of Communication and Language Arts and the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, with support from the British Council Nigeria.

Christopher said literacy had become central to virtually every aspect of modern life, extending beyond the ability to secure employment to include the capacity to function effectively in society.

She maintained that every child should be introduced to reading and literacy skills early in life to establish a strong foundation for learning and personal development.

She said, “The early years of childhood offer a critical opportunity to develop reading habits, making it necessary for parents and educators to pay greater attention to children’s literacy development. Whatever we do in life now requires literacy. Children should begin developing reading skills from an early age.”

The LiPAN president expressed concern over the growing exposure of children to digital screens, arguing that parents must take responsibility for regulating their children’s use of electronic devices.

“The practice of giving young children electronic devices without considering the possible consequences for their reading habits and learning development is concerning. Let me use this occasion to encourage parents to prioritise activities that encourage reading and learning rather than relying on digital devices to keep children occupied,” she said.

Christopher also called for greater investment in early childhood literacy, urging parents, teachers and the government to strengthen reading habits among children as a foundation for lifelong learning and national development.

“Teachers must ensure that pupils actively learn in the classroom, while government must strengthen the school system to improve educational outcomes,” she added.

She said parents would be more willing to invest in their children’s education when schools delivered quality teaching and effective learning.

Also speaking, the President of the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Nigeria, Prof Oyinkan Tasie, called for a renewed commitment to promoting reading culture across homes, schools and communities.

Tasie said developing a sustainable reading culture required deliberate efforts to transform these three environments, particularly by encouraging parents to invest time and resources in their children’s intellectual development.

“Reading helps children develop resilience, independent thinking and the capacity to engage meaningfully with information and skills,” Tasie said.

He also expressed concern over Nigeria’s large population of out-of-school children, identifying insecurity and the disruption of schooling as major challenges affecting access to education.

He urged political leaders and aspiring officeholders at the local, state and federal levels to make education a priority as the country approaches another election cycle.

Tasie also urged voters to examine the capacity, resources and policy proposals of political candidates to determine who could effectively address the country’s educational challenges.