Children's Declining Reading Habits Blamed on Overloaded Schedules and 'Lazy Parenting' in Vietnam

In Vietnam, a recent dialogue hosted by the Kim Dong Publishing House and the Faculty of Literature at Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities has brought to the fore a concerning trend: the declining reading habits among children. Contrary to assumptions that a lack of engaging books is the culprit, speakers at the event, including esteemed literary scholars and emerging young writers, argued that the issue stems from the relentless pace of modern life. Dr. Trịnh Đặng Nguyên Hương of the Institute of Literature emphasized that children are left with no "psychological space" for reading, their days consumed by formal schooling, extra classes, and skills training. This exhaustion, she posits, makes engaging with literature an insurmountable task, regardless of the book's quality. The Vietnamese perspective here is that while international coverage might focus on digital distractions, our local context reveals a deeper societal pressure on children. The emphasis on academic achievement and a packed schedule, often driven by parental aspirations, inadvertently crowds out the quiet contemplation that reading requires. This isn't just about screen time; it's about a societal structure that prioritizes constant activity over reflective engagement. Furthermore, young author Phạm Thu Hà noted the impact of social media's short-form content, which erodes the capacity for sustained reading. She also critically examined the role of parents, suggesting that the easier path of "lazy parenting"—providing devices for distraction—is chosen over the more demanding, yet rewarding, task of cultivating a genuine love for books. This cultural critique resonates deeply, as it challenges both educational systems and family dynamics within Vietnam, urging a re-evaluation of what truly constitutes a child's well-being and development.

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The speed of life in society is very rushed. When children get home, they are too tired. They are exhausted and cannot read, not because there are not enough good, beautiful books to attract them.