A new study done in celebration of World Book Day has revealed that only about 26 percent of teenagers read a book daily. This is the lowest daily level recorded since the last survey of children’s reading habits in 2005.
According to the study, children of this generation read less often than children of any previous age. Additionally, children of the current generation enjoy reading less than young people did in the past.
The survey slated to be published by the National Literacy Trust in the run-up to World Book Day on Thursday revealed more exciting facts on the current state of teenagers are reading culture.
The survey revealed that fewer children enjoy reading, and the numbers keep dwindling with their age, nearly twice as many five to eight-year-olds as 14 to 16-year-olds noted they enjoy reading.
Overall, just 53 percent of children said they took pleasure from reading very much or quite a lot, the lowest level since 2013.
The survey additionally found a marked gender divide when it comes to reading for pleasure, 47 percent of boys identified as keen readers, compared with 60 percent of girls. While a third of the children stated, they are unable to find things to read that interested them.
Wake up call for government
The new revelation of the dying reading habits amongst children of teenagers has connected to the government to serve as a wake-up call to do more for the education sector.
Michael Rosen, poet, and former children’s laureate stated the World Book Day survey findings should act as a wake-up call for the government.
He said:
We have countless examples of research showing that children who read for pleasure widely and often are best able to benefit from what education offers. Berating parents, children, or teachers for ‘failing’ will solve nothing.
Additionally, he noted the current situation needs full government backing, with as much investment and financial provision with the inclusive effort put into compulsory phonics teaching, to support schools and communities in this.
He noted global programs such as the World Book Day celebration must be utilized as an avenue to imbibe proper reading culture in the growing generation.
About World Book Day
World Book Day, a charity event held annually in the UK and Ireland, will this year call on readers of all ages to “share a million stories” by reading aloud or listening to a story for at least 10 minutes a day with friends and family.
Notably, it is the biggest celebration of its kind, designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and marked in over 100 countries all over the world.
World Book Day chief executive Cassie Chadderton said this activity could turn a reluctant reader into a child who reads for pleasure.
