Hong Kong Parents, Are You Making This Critical Mistake? Why Reading With Your Child Is More Important Than Ever
If you think Hong Kong’s education system alone will set your child up for success, think again. While local students consistently perform well in exams, a deeper issue is emerging—children are losing confidence in their reading ability, and parental engagement in literacy is alarmingly low.
A study from PIRLS ranked Hong Kong 49th out of 57 countries in reading confidence among Primary 4 students, and parental engagement in reading ranks second to last in the world. Only 16% of Hong Kong parents engage in preschool literacy activities, compared to 74% globally. This means many children are missing out on crucial early development skills that can shape their future.
Enter REadCONNECT, a city-wide movement designed to turn the tide. This spring, Bring Me A Book Hong Kong is launching an ambitious campaign to inspire parents to reclaim their role in their child’s reading journey. And the best part? It only takes 10 minutes a day.
The Science Is Clear: Reading Together Changes Everything
The benefits of shared reading go far beyond literacy. Neuroscience shows that reading aloud activates 20% more of a child’s brain than reading independently, lighting up areas responsible for comprehension, memory, and creativity.
– Children who are read to daily hear 1.4 million more words by age five, setting them up for lifelong academic success (Ohio State University).
– Reading releases oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, deepening parent-child bonds and reducing stress (Harvard Medical School*).
– Family reading time fosters emotional intelligence, sparking meaningful conversations that build resilience, empathy, and confidence.
– Screentime cannot replace human connection. Reading together provides irreplaceable moments of learning and bonding that technology simply cannot replicate. According to an article by South China Morning Post (SCMP), about 28 per cent of parents say their children’s use of electronic devices resulted in verbal insults, physical threats or unreasonable punishment.
The REadCONNECT Movement: Join the Biggest Family Literacy Celebration in Hong Kong
REadCONNECT is bringing parents, children, and educators together in an exciting lineup of events designed to make reading fun, interactive, and meaningful.
March 8 – Hong Kong Central Library, Causeway Bay(10:00 – 11:30 AM): Dr. Fanny Lam will present research on how shared reading boosts executive function, cognitive skills, and emotional resilience—all critical for success in today’s world.
March & April – Readathon Challenge: Schools and families can sign up for the REadCONNECT Readathon, where parents and children commit to daily reading and raise funds to support literacy programs.
April 27 – REadCONNECT Tram Parade & Family Day:
– Hop aboard a branded storytelling tram, traveling from Whitty Street to Causeway Bay, bringing books to life in a unique moving experience.
– Meet and greet celebrity authors and illustrators in the “Bring Me an Author” series, where families can experience firsthand the magic of storytelling.
– Get creative at the interactive bookmaking workshop at Hong Kong Central Library, inspired by Mo Willems’ beloved Knuffle Bunny trilogy.
How You Can Get Involved
✔️ Parents – Start small. Just 10 minutes a day of reading can transform your child’s future. Sign up for the Readathon and make shared reading a fun, rewarding habit.
✔️ Schools – Encourage students to join the challenge and create a JustGiving page to raise funds for Bring Me A Book Hong Kong’s literacy initiatives.
✔️ Community Leaders & Ambassadors – Spread the word. The more families who commit to reading, the greater the impact on the next generation.
Hong Kong parents are passionate about education, but true success starts at home and the facts can no longer be ignored. REadCONNECT isn’t just about literacy—it’s about building stronger families, resilient children, and a community where learning is celebrated together.
Ready to take action?
Join the movement today and start a Readathon at your school or organisation. Simply click below to get started: https://legacy.simplygiving.com/event/readconnect
🎥 Watch the REadCONNECT Video:
English| Cantonese |Mandarin
Follow Bring Me a Book on Instagram
