Only 33% of Parents Read Bedtime Stories Every Night

By Maryann Yin 

According to a survey of more than 1,000 parents, only 33 percent of parents with kids eight years old or younger take the time to read with their children on a nightly basis. At the same time, 50 percent of those parents reported that their kids devote more time to television and video games instead of books.

Below, we’ve embedded an infographic about the results.

Reading is Fundamental and Macy’s commissioned the survey and will launch their annual “Be Book Smart” national literacy campaign on June 21st. This initiative will give away its 10 millionth book this year.

If you want to help, you can donate $3 at any Macy’s in-store register; all donors will receive a coupon for $10 off an in-store purchase of $50 or more. Macy’s will give all the donations to Reading is Fundamental (RIF).

You can also share your support on Facebook:

As part of the Be Book Smart campaign, Macy’s and RIF will host a sweepstakes on Facebook to encourage supporters to share information about the campaign and post images of quotes from favorite authors to their personal timelines via a Facebook app. Each week, one winner will be awarded a $500 Macy’s gift card.  For official rules and to enter the sweepstakes, visitfacebook.com/macys or rif.org/sweeps.

RIF CEO Carol H. Rasco had this statement in the release:

Bedtime stories build the foundation for future achievement. For a decade, Macy’s and RIF have worked together to get books and literacy resources to children in need, giving children and parents tools they need to dream big. While much news in this survey is encouraging, there is more work to be done – work that Be Book Smart and our partnership with Macy’s will help make possible.

Bedtime Stories Infographic by Reading Is Fundamental