Does it make sense for modern children to read?

Many of us have already heard about Generation Z, teenagers who are now under 16. These “digital” children raise serious concerns among parents and teachers. After all, they choose gadgets instead of books and virtual communication instead of live. In this article, the editorial board "Site" It will tell you what the children of the new generation live and what place it occupies. book. Experienced psychotherapist Anna Varga will explain what is really hiding behind the child’s craving for a smartphone and a computer.



Many parents worry about the loss of contact with the child and the lack of understanding. The generational divide The phenomenon is not new, but modern teenagers seem to be alien creatures. They are completely immersed in the computer world. It feels like Gen Z kids are more comfortable there than they are in real life.

Anna Varga explains that the reason lies in different communication systems. For parents it is still old, and for modern teenagers it is new. In the history of mankind, one system has replaced another more than once, and we cannot influence this natural process. Today we are at the beginning of such a global transition, so it is difficult to get used to it.



The way information is transmitted greatly affects the culture and mentality of people. For example, in the Middle Ages, only speech and hearing were used for communication. All that mattered was understanding the language. In ancient times, there was no childhood as we know it. Literally from the age of five, each person got on his feet and began to work, was considered a full member of society. Ours. Consciousness strongly depends on the structure of society, from interacting with each other. When there is a new way of communicating, the world changes. That is why our values and worldview are different from those of people in the Middle Ages.



“Children no longer read, but watch. When we read, we imagine what is written. But when we watch videos or pictures, imagination is not necessary. The signal goes to another part of the brain, so perception is radically different. So. Create a new communication cultureThis is where Generation Z belongs. You don’t have to force modern children to read. This will only lead to quarrels and create an even greater gap between generations. We need to accept the fact that the world has changed and new people have entered it, explains Anna Varga.



The concept of childhood appeared after the invention of the printing press. You had to learn to read to get information from books. Society was divided into those who could read and those who could not access information. Children were no longer perceived as small adults; they had to be raised in a special way. Every child had to make an effort to become an adult, and the responsibility for overcoming this path lay with the parents. Gradually, the concepts of “good child” and “bad child” appeared. Good deeds and achievements were rewarded and praised, and all bad deeds were punished.



Right now. Conventional standards are falling apart. Books are not the main source of information in the modern world. It is not clear what a “good child” is or what to teach. Gradually, imagination fades into the background and is replaced by ready-made images. And this is not strange, because visual perception does not need to learn like reading. Childhood and adulthood are disappearing again. In addition, the amount of information accumulated by humanity has grown so much that it is impossible to remember everything.



© Freepik Why schools are outdated Often parents complain Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) in Students. Allegedly, it is difficult for a child to concentrate and perceive large amounts of information. In fact, schools do not give children knowledge in the form in which they are able to learn it. Unfortunately, the education system is too slow to adapt to changes in the modern world and to a new type of society.

Anna Varga believes that students are trying to stuff the usual tons of information in vain, while they need to be taught competencies and show how to get knowledge yourself. Educational institutions that try to keep pace with the times use innovative approaches. They stimulate discussions, create educational games, offer online resources, interesting homework. Attention deficit disorder is caused by the fact that Modern children are between two worlds..



The transition from the old to the new system is not just for children and their parents. The world has yet to adapt and understand the new generation. In any case, parents should be on the side of the child. After all, if parents struggle with children at home, teachers at school, they lose all motivation and feel depressed. Imagine Generation Z being little Martians that we need to get along with. Modern children are the engine of progress, our future. It is not they who must adapt to us, but we to them.

Do you think children should be forced to read and should they be so worried about their future?