How bedtime stories are getting a new lease of life

Every now and then we hear a sad story about the decline of books and how children today just don't read any more.

But it's not all doom and gloom. It seems the rise of modern technology has actually improved the bedtime story experience for parents and children.

A survey of 2,000 parents found that 70 per cent now use modern technology rather than traditional books to soothe their little ones to sleep.

Nearly half of those questioned in the study said they didn't read as many traditional books to their children than were read to them as a child.

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But parents are noticing a rejuvenation of the bedtime story tradition, and more than half felt that tablets were making the process more engaging.

Nearly half stated that tablets are becoming an increasing part of the night time routine with sound effects, moving images and the ability to interact with stories transforming the bedtime story.

The research, which was commissioned by LifeProof, found that seven in 10 parents feel their children are brighter because of early exposure to technology.

Nearly a third of parents with two or more children said they had noticed a difference in the development of their youngest child in comparison to an older sibling who grew up without technology.

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Yesterday a spokesman for LifeProof, which makes protective covers for gadgets, said: ''Bedtime stories are an important part of a child's routine, and it's good to see that tablets are bringing these stories to life even further by encouraging creative interaction between parents and their children.

The study also found more than half the parents studied allow a child aged three years or younger to use their phone or tablet. And four in ten parents admit they use their smartphone or tablet as a 'high-tech babysitter' to keep their kids entertained.

The average parent hands over a gadget to their kids at least three times a week because they're exhausted.

While six in ten use time on a smartphone or tablet as a way of rewarding their young ones for good behaviour.