In a world ruled by glowing screens, bite-sized content, and viral videos, one humble practice is quietly struggling to survive—reading the daily newspaper. Among children especially, this age-old ritual is fading into memory. But is it truly disappearing, or simply waiting to be reimagined?

The Golden Days of Paper and Ink

Not too long ago, the rustle of fresh newsprint and the bold headlines of morning papers were as much a part of the breakfast table as toast and tea. Children eagerly flipped through comic strips, puzzle corners, and quiz columns, sometimes even sneaking glances at the front page. It was a gentle initiation into the world of current affairs. Today, however, this ritual seems rare, almost quaint.

Screens Take Over

For most children now, news arrives not through headlines but through YouTube explainers, TikTok reels, or push notifications on their parents’ phones. Algorithms, not editors, decide what they consume. The newspaper once a trusted bridge between children and the wider world has ceded ground to fast-scrolling feeds.

Do Kids Still Read the Paper?

Surprisingly, the answer isn’t a flat “no.”
Surveys show that while only a small percentage of children read physical newspapers daily, many remain curious about age-appropriate news, particularly stories on animals, space, sports, or global issues that shape their future. The challenge lies not in disinterest, but in access and relevance.

Why It Still Matters

Reading newspapers helps children develop critical thinking, vocabulary, comprehension skills, and a sense of global awareness. Unlike fragmented social media snippets, newspapers provide structure, credibility, and context. The physical act of reading also nurtures patience—a quality the swipe generation is quickly losing.

Experts agree. “Children who read newspapers regularly tend to ask deeper, more critical questions,” says Dr. Anjali Mehta, a Delhi-based child psychologist. “It improves comprehension, vocabulary, and independent thinking—all vital for modern education.”

Teachers echo this view. Mrs. Nirmala Rao, a social studies teacher in Bengaluru, shares, “I ask my students to bring a news clipping every Monday. At first, they see it as homework, but soon they’re reading headlines aloud and debating current issues during breaks.”

A Modern Twist

Hope for this tradition is not lost. Newspapers like The Times of India, The Daily Star, and Prothom Alo are experimenting with kids’ supplements, colorful weekend editions, and interactive e-papers. Some digital platforms now “gamify” news, rewarding children for reading articles and answering quizzes.

Parents are also finding creative ways to revive the habit—such as “five minutes of paper time” before screen time. Meanwhile, schools are setting up “Newspaper Corners” and “Headline of the Day” boards to spark curiosity.

The Bottom Line

The daily newspaper may be fighting for relevance, but it still carries immense value. If nurtured thoughtfully, this habit can evolve from being a fading tradition into a powerful tool for raising smart, curious, and informed young minds.

After all, today’s readers are tomorrow’s leaders.