A recent survey conducted by the National Literacy Trust (NLT) has revealed a concerning trend in children’s reading habits. The survey found that only 34.6% of eight- to 18-year-olds enjoy reading in their spare time, marking the lowest level of reading enjoyment in almost two decades. This represents an 8.8 percentage point drop since last year and is part of a broader downward trend since 2016, when almost two in three children reported enjoying reading.
Not only is reading enjoyment on the decline, but reading frequency is also at a historic low. The survey found that only 20.5% of eight- to 18-year-olds read daily in their free time, compared to 28% last year. The gender gap in reading enjoyment has also widened, with only 28.2% of boys saying they enjoy reading in their free time compared to 40.5% of girls.
Children’s laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce emphasized the importance of reading for pleasure, stating that children who read for enjoyment gain numerous benefits, including increased vocabulary and improved mental wellbeing. The survey found that children who enjoy reading have above-average reading skills compared to those who do not. Reading for pleasure also helps children relax, feel happy, learn new things, understand different perspectives, and learn about other cultures.
The survey highlighted a concerning trend among secondary school-age children, with only three in 10 reporting that they enjoy reading in their spare time, compared to more than half of primary-age pupils. NLT chief executive Jonathan Douglas expressed concern over the declining rates of reading enjoyment, stating that the futures of a generation are at risk if action is not taken.
The NLT called on the government to establish a reading taskforce and action plan to address the declining rates of reading enjoyment and prioritize reading for pleasure in the curriculum and assessment review. Cottrell-Boyce emphasized that while the situation is dire, the solution lies in our hands.
The survey, which included responses from 76,131 children and young people aged five to 18, paints a concerning picture of the state of children’s reading habits. It is crucial for parents, educators, and policymakers to work together to promote reading for pleasure and ensure that future generations reap the benefits of a love for reading. By fostering a culture of reading enjoyment, we can help children develop vital skills and a lifelong love for learning.
