No Wonder Teenagers Would Rather Be on TikTok
I just read this short article in The Week magazine and, as a very bookish woman, I wanted to hear your opinion too.
Here is the article:
Why teenagers don’t read
“Look at the GCSE reading list: Macbeth, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Animal Farm, Lord of the Flies. Murder; murder; authoritarian rule; social breakdown, the bullying of fat boys with glasses – then murder. If teen reading rates are plummeting, maybe it’s because the reading list is so dry and depressing. Where are P.G. Wodehouse, Douglas Adams, Adrian Mole, Oscar Wilde, Nancy Mitford, Terry Pratchett? I’m a 51-year-old author of nine books and even I wouldn’t want to spend a long, hot summer going line by line through Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. I too would want to go on TikTok and watch a girl with rainbow eyes eat noodles.” — Caitlin Moran in The Times
What’s your thoughts?
Sounds good-Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog. Liuba x
DeleteAnyone (teenager or adult) needs a variety of reading experiences.
ReplyDeleteCannot agree more!
DeleteThe habit of reading is acquired in childhood. Early access to the internet kills the path to the world of books.
ReplyDeleteI just read wisdom! Thank you for sharing with me.
DeleteDa ist sicher etwas Wahres dran. Ich finde es durchaus wichtig, dass junge Menschen auch anspruchsvolle Literatur und die großen Klassiker kennenlernen. Aber muss Lesen in der Schule so häufig mit düsteren Themen, Gewalt und gesellschaftlichen Abgründen verbunden sein? Gerade in diesem Alter sollte man doch auch entdecken dürfen, dass ein Buch einfach Spaß machen, spannend sein und einen zum Lachen bringen kann. Wer erst einmal erlebt hat, dass Lesen Vergnügen bedeutet, greift vielleicht später ganz von selbst zu Macbeth oder Orwell. Gegen die schnellen Reize von TikTok hat ein Buch ohnehin einen schweren Stand. Da sollte die Schule die Freude am Lesen wecken und sie nicht versehentlich noch erschweren. Eine gute Mischung wäre für mich der bessere Weg.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for such a long and detailed comment. I completely agree. A good balance is exactly what is missing. Teenagers should absolutely be introduced to the classics, but they should also be given books that make them laugh and remind them that reading can simply be fun.
DeleteI think learning can be fun....and should be! I believe that the books that are selected for students to read should be educational but I don't like the titles on the list you are showing!
ReplyDeleteThat's write, Linda! Thank you for your thoughts!
DeleteI've always loved to read and didn't grow up with computers and screens so I don't really have an answer, but do agree that everyone should have humor and laughter in their lives! xo
ReplyDeleteHow lucky we are that experienced a childhood without screens. Thank you for reading xxx
DeleteI love books that don't just make me think but also make me laugh. I surely hope more kids would go back to reading though. It's a wonderful adventure.
ReplyDeleteDear, Lux! I am so glad to see your comment here and I am so agree with you. Liuba x
DeleteThis post highlights an important issue about teenagers and the growing influence of digital technology in everyday life. 📱 It’s easy to understand why online spaces can feel more attractive to young people when they provide entertainment, connection, and a sense of belonging. At the same time, balance is important. Real-world experiences, family conversations, friendships, and time away from screens are equally valuable. I think the key is not simply blaming teenagers or technology, but finding healthier ways to balance both worlds. Thanks for sharing this thought-provoking perspective! 💭👏
ReplyDeleteDear Sanovax, thank you for reading and thank you for sharing yout point of view and I do agree with you. Have a great week! Liuba
DeleteYou think teenagers would like Oscar Wilde? One can only hope.
ReplyDeleteI guess they might like: The Importance of Being Earnest
DeleteI agree! Why is levity always associated with superficiality? Great writing and great insights into the human condition are to be found in humorous writing just as much as in so-called serious literature.
ReplyDeleteCannot agree more! Thank you for sharing your thoughts xxx
Delete...our thirteen year old granddaughter had read delay and had her tutored. Now she reads one book after another. She also LOVES TikTok!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! We all like to watch reels :)
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