ABC 6 News posted an article discussing the well-known importance of reading to your child. However, in the digital age we live in, many parents utilize tablets or other online reading devices, such as Kindles, to read to their children. A study by JAMA Pediatrics revealed that reading to your children off of these devices can actually be distracting and influence levels of social interaction between parents and their children. 

Sarah Schoppe-Sullivan, a professor of Developmental Psychology in the department, agrees with the results of the study. "Because a tablet is such an interesting toy, in its own right that you get more of a situation where the toddler might want to tap on the tablet," said Schoppe-Sullivan.

She expresses that while parents do not have to eliminate screen time all together, it is important to recognize when technology should be put to the side. Both JAMA Pediatrics and Schoppe-Sullivan agree that reading books "the old-fashioned way" should continue in order for children to benefit the most.