Data from the latest National Literacy Trust survey shows that children are enjoying reading less and less, with reading enjoyment levels almost halving since 2019.
The survey reported the lowest levels of reading enjoyment since records began in 2005, with only one in three children between the age of eight to 18 saying they enjoy reading, and only one in five reading daily.
Emma Baker, manager and owner of Flying Start Montessori in Cambridge, said: “I think it’s because of a lack of understanding of just how important reading is.
“If schools and government bodies explained why they need to read more and what the benefits are, rather than just telling them that they have to, that would help.
“For the parents who don’t like reading, or won’t do it or think it’s silly, going to story groups at libraries is a great way to get children involved in reading.
“I think parents need to understand that you don’t have to read for very long, it’s a bit like brushing your teeth. Even five minutes a day can be enough to consolidate reading habits in children.”
Reading from a young age and throughout childhood has been found to help with literacy skills and more widely with empathy, imagination and cognitive ability.
Reading enjoyment vary across the country but the North West had the third worst levels at 31.8%.
The gender gap between boys and girls had also increased in 2025 with a reported reading enjoyment level of 25.7% in boys compared to 39.1% in girls.
Featured imaged image taken from Susan Q Yin/Unsplash.com
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