As tablets, smartphones, and other devices become more popular, the backlash against them grows. Some of this backlash is justified. 35 percent of drivers admit to texting and driving. Smartphones and tablets can interrupt our sleep, our family meals, and our relationships. Researchers even think that the boredom these devices promise to rescue us from might be vital to creative thinking. So while some may sound alarm bells about any use of digital devices as others try to find a happy medium, what does the research actually say? Is it safe to read on screens? Here’s what you need to know. Reading on Screens: Why It’s Not the Same Research increasingly suggests that people who read from screens take in information differently. Reading from computers and tablets can damage the eyes and the muscles that support them, causing eye strain, fatigue, and headaches. But e-readers may offer some benefits over traditional books. Back lighting can reduce eye strain, so avid readers of screens should choose digital book readers — like Amazon’s Kindle or Barnes and Noble’s Nook — instead of reading from smartphones or laptops. Some research suggests that what and how we read from screens is different. The Internet thrives on easily digested information and lots of clicks. Scanning a blog post is fundamentally different from diving into Moby Dick. So people who read from screens — and parents who make decisions for their children — should consider whether screen reading is changing their reading habits. Reading from a device such as a Kindle may also alter the amount of information a reader absorbs. One study found that readers struggled more to reconstruct events from a story they read on a screen. This difficulty, the study’s authors argue, is because the tactile experience of reading a book makes it easier for the brain to immerse itself in the story and reconstruct events. Dangers for Kids of Too Much Screen Time Adults understand the perils of screen time and can adopt strategies for monitoring their own use. But several studies have expressed concerns about how screen time affects children. A number of studies suggest that too much screen time can undermine a child’s attention span. At least one study has found a link between use of digital devices and speech delays. However, these studies have looked at general screen time, not specifically at time spent reading. As such, parents who are willing to proactively monitor screen time to ensure children are reading — not doing something else — may have less to worry about. Can Kids Benefit From Screen Reading? Though parents might be skeptical about allowing their children to read from screens, some research on the topic has found that reading from screens can be a good thing. One study found that toddlers may actually learn better when they read electronic books. Researchers found that parents reading to their children from e-books pointed to the books more frequently, encouraging their children to become more engaged. This style of reading can support the development of reading and thinking skills in young children. Practical Concerns One of the most significant concerns associated with reading from digital devices has nothing to do with reading itself. Digital devices can provide tempting distractions. From frequently checking email to refreshing Facebook over and over, many people find the draw of connecting to others through digital devices irresistible. Making the Right Choice So what’s the right choice? It depends on the reader, on how they use digital devices, and on personal preference. Ultimately, reading from screens is unlikely to cause serious harm, but it might involve less in-depth reading than a paper book offers. The flip side is that digital readers are more portable, and for some readers, that makes them more attractive. E-books can help kids become more interested in stories, and adults can easily carry them to pass time while waiting at doctor’s offices or on the subway. Try striking a balance. You or your child can read from a digital device while on the go, but at home, stick to paper books. You’ll read more, be distracted less, and probably avoid some eye strain.