Why Aren’t Teens Reading Like They Used To?” is an article by Jennifer Ludden which highlights a study that shows teenagers are reading fewer books for pleasure than they did in the past.  Researchers are curious why teenagers are reading less when they now have access to millions of books online.  They can easily find books using their e-readers, phones, and tablet computers; however, some teenagers suggest that now they read only for school assignments.  In their free time, they prefer to watch movies and television shows online instead.  Researchers say it is difficult to study what teenagers are doing on electronic devices.  They cannot tell when they are reading or doing something else.  They think that some teens can get distracted when they try to read e-books because they are on the Internet.  Some ways parents can make sure their teenagers read for pleasure more are by giving them a specific time to read each day, bringing them to the library, and reading at home.
        I am not surprised that teenagers today are reading fewer books, but I also agree that it is difficult to know exactly what they are doing.  When I see teenagers on their phones, I assume that they are texting or watching a video, but that might not be true.  Maybe they are reading blogs or social media instead of books, but that is still reading for pleasure.  I agree that one way to encourage more pleasure reading is by getting parents more actively involved.  I believe this is best for two reasons.  First, parents can make their teens more excited about reading when they read, too.  They can share ideas about books, recommend new books, and ask about what their children are reading.  This will make their teenagers believe that reading is important, and they might be more motivated to read for pleasure. Also, parents can help their teenagers make positive choices.  For example, they can spend time reading in the library instead of wasting hours on their electronic devices.  If they go to the library together, parents can model good reading habits, and teenagers can see that pleasure reading does not just mean reading a good book, but knowing where they can enjoy it in a quiet yet supportive atmosphere.