How neOwn Is Building a Reading Culture for Kids as Countries Debate Teen Social Media Limits
Australia’s move to limit social media for under-16s has reignited a global discussion about childhood, digital wellbeing, and the long-term impact of heavy screen use. As other countries consider similar steps, the conversation is shifting: beyond asking whether kids should be online less, policymakers and parents are asking what healthier activities can replace that time.
In India, app-based book rental platform neOwn is answering that question by promoting reading as a screen-light habit that supports focus, imagination and curiosity. The company treats reading not just as an academic exercise but as a practical way to help children build better attention and creative skills early on.
neOwn focuses on enjoyable alternatives rather than simply rejecting technology. The idea is that lasting change comes when children discover activities that feel naturally rewarding, calming and enriching.
One key initiative is neOwn’s collective silent reading sessions. In these community events, children bring books they choose and read together in a quiet, distraction-free space. The sessions are social and calming at once; organizers sometimes add small, low-key activities to keep the experience engaging.
Parents and children report clear benefits. One parent said their daughter, who would rarely sit with a book for more than 10 minutes at home, read quietly for 30 minutes during a session. A 9-year-old participant said she was surprised to find other kids who loved reading, and an 11-year-old said seeing peers who had written books inspired her to finish her own stories.
These kinds of programs matter as governments consider new rules for children’s online exposure. Experts note that reducing screen time through regulation is only part of the solution. Children also need spaces where patience, imagination and uninterrupted concentration are encouraged-qualities that reading helps develop.
By making reading communal, calm and enjoyable, neOwn is trying to shift habits rather than simply curtail screen use. As India and other countries navigate life in a highly connected world, the question is not just whether social media should be restricted, but whether we are offering slower, healthier activities that kids actually want to do.
