Annual survey of young people’s reading habits which began two decades ago shows its lowest-ever result, most pronounced among boys aged 11 to 16
Reading enjoyment among children and young people in the UK has fallen to its lowest level in two decades, with the decline particularly pronounced in teenage boys, according to new research.
While the past year saw boys’ reading enjoyment fall across most age groups – particularly among those aged 11 to 16 – girls’ enjoyment remained relatively stable or slightly improved.
The National Literacy Trust surveyed 114,970 children and young people aged five to 18 from UK schools about their reading habits as part of its Annual Literacy Survey.
Of girls aged eight to 18, 39.1% said they enjoyed reading in their free time, compared with 25.7% of boys. Girls were more likely to report reading for wellbeing and emotional support than boys, while boys and girls reported reading for curiosity purposes at similar levels.
