The enjoyment of reading among children and young people is at an all-time low, according to a 2024 survey by the National Literacy Trust. Of the 76,000 children surveyed, only 1 in 3 (34.6%) between the ages of 8 and 18 reported enjoying reading in their free time. This marks the lowest level in nearly two decades, raising concerns about the long-term impact on literacy, learning, and mental well-being.
Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the Waterstones Children’s Laureate, said “We are at risk of losing a generation.” but why are children no longer reading for pleasure?
Downtime
Modern children face an array of time pressures, including schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and social commitments. These competing demands leave little room for leisurely reading. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, when children had more free time, there was a slight increase in reading for pleasure, suggesting that time constraints play a significant role.
Technology has also changed how children spend their leisure time. Social media, gaming, and streaming services often take precedence over reading. However, technology can also provide a route into reading, particularly for reluctant readers or those who prefer digital formats.
School
While schools play a vital role in promoting reading, the pressure of a rigorous curriculum often leaves little space for fostering a love of books. Only 40.5% of children say they enjoy reading in school, slightly more than those who read for pleasure at home.
Teachers work hard to inspire a love of reading but often need more support and resources to integrate reading for pleasure into the classroom. This highlights the need for systemic changes, such as prioritising reading within the national curriculum and providing teachers with high-quality resources.
Access to Books
One of the biggest barriers to children’s reading is access to books.
- 1 in 12 children do not own a book at home.
- 1 in 5 parents report buying fewer books for their children due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
- Schools in disadvantaged areas are disproportionately affected, with 1 in 7 UK primary schools lacking a library altogether.
What Can Be Done?
The solution to this reading crisis is multi-faceted, requiring collaboration between families, schools, charities, publishers, and the government.
Here are some ways we can promote reading in children and young people:
- Promote Reading at Home: Parents and carers can play a significant role by reading with their children and providing access to diverse reading materials.
- Equip Teachers: Schools need more resources and training to embed reading for pleasure into their culture.
- Leverage Technology: Digital literacy programs can help children discover a love of reading in modern formats.
How do you think we can encourage reading in the next generation?