REPORT: BOOKS IN SCHOOLS DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD
...the Alliance suggests that elementary school students learn through
hands-on, real-world activities, and that the U.S. surgeon general should
conduct studies on the emotional, developmental, and physical effects of
books on children, and on the ethical and social issues that literature
might have on older students. The report says that reading presents health
risks such as eyestrain, and obesity; detracts from human interaction,
creativity, and hands-on learning; and does little to boost academic
achievement.