[Markoff]

Obviously reading improves reading and if kid has phone it doesn't read (books), but plays games or watch videos.

Though study found one benefit - if kid is non-native speaker they can improve their English by using the phone (in English).

Link to original study https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/16/8/1263

[estearum]

> Obviously reading improves reading and if kid has phone it doesn't read (books), but plays games or watch videos.

We've been wrong about "obvious" things many many times before. And even in this article they refer to some evidence that hints in the opposite direction as this "obvious" mechanism.

> One showed that texting benefits the skill of grasping meaning; the other showed texting to be a negative influence on basic reading mechanics at the letter and word level.

(FWIW, I largely agree with you that this is obvious, but we should try to build our knowledge from the basics regardless)

[bcjdjsndon]

> One showed that texting benefits the skill of grasping meaning; the other showed texting to be a negative influence on basic reading mechanics at the letter and word level.

But doesn't texting involve reading still? How could you not read yet text? It's a different dialect to typical printed prose, but it's language,they communicate all the same.

[estearum]

Not sure. Sounds like more study is warranted.

[Markoff]

I guess it's about volume, I am also reading tons of articles or discussions per day and I would not say it's as good as reading books.

[bcjdjsndon]

> and if kid has phone it doesn't read (books)

I haven't read a physical book in about a decade. I read everyday. How is this possible?

[mikestew]

Did OP specify physical books?

[bcjdjsndon]

Hed have said screens or ebooks if he meant otherwise

[mikestew]

Not at all, "books" could also specify "long form writing". When I say I read a book, I don't specify "e-book", I just say, "finally finished Project Hail Mary".

[Markoff]

Do you read books on phone? There you have your answer.

I am also assuming you are not a child from 3rd or 6th grade, so not exactly sure how is your comment relevant to study about kids with phones. Somehow I would think adult HN reader will have better self-control over video/game usage than 3rd/6th grader.