TV ranks as child's top playmate
Children watch TV on average for just under 8 hours a week and books for less than four over the same period. But Scottish libraries could hold the key to getting entire families into books and the internet.
More than a fifth of children in Scotland, Wales and Yorkshire have never been to a library, says the survey.
About a third of UK parents never or hardly ever take their children to a library. A children's biggest single home activity was watching TV - on average of 7 hours and 46 minutes weekly. Reading occupies only 3 hours and 51 minutes a week.
A recent Booktime project urges parents to read more with their children and suggests that children were more likely to be watching television or playing alone or with friends, playing computer games or watching DVDs than spending time with their parents.
Family time appears to be marginalised - with shared meals lasting an average of 43 minutes/day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and 18% of families sharing only 17 minutes together.
One route to interaction is offered by Scottish libraries which seeks to draw children and parents into the world of books via the internet. The Perth & Kinross Council are offering computers and the internet for children and young people through libraries equipped with computers, giving free internet access for children.
Parents or carers need to sign the Library Service's Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) [pdf: 622kb] for young people under the age of 16 and all PCs are filtered, with the following guidelines apply to our libraries:
* Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult.
* Only two children at a time are allowed at each terminal.
* Children can book sessions for half an hour at a time.
* Bookings can be taken up to a week in advance.
* USe of the computers is free, any information printed out will be charged for. Please check for current costs.
* Staff who come across inappropriate use of the Internet have the right to end the session and contact parents and carers. Misuse may result in a ban of up to one month.
* Guidelines on safe surfing and use of chat rooms are available at both computers, but it is ultimately parents' or carers' responsibility to teach children safe use of chat rooms and the internet.
* Staff will be able to see computer screens at all times, but will not necessarily be able to supervise use.