Amid rising financial pressures and increasing child poverty, it’s unsurprising that family reading often falls by the wayside. Yet the consequences of this shift are profoundly disheartening.
In my son’s bedroom, a row of cherished picture books from my childhood evokes memories of magical stories that shaped my world. From The Three Wonderful Beggars to The Whales’ Song, these books transported me to vivid worlds that still resonate today. Reading shaped my understanding of life and profoundly influenced who I am. Yet a concerning trend looms: fewer children are reading for pleasure.
A recent report highlights this issue. In the US, only 17% of 13-year-olds read for fun daily in 2020, compared to 27% in 2012. The UK fares slightly better, but the National Literacy Trust reported in 2024 that just 35% of eight- to 18-year-olds read regularly for pleasure—the lowest figure in two decades.
The decline coincides with the rise of smartphones, but that’s only part of the story. Library closures—heartbreaking for those of us raised in them—have also played a role. For many, the excitement of borrowing books is now a distant memory. Additionally, families face immense time and financial constraints. Books can be expensive, and even charity shop prices can be prohibitive. Busy schedules leave little room for leisurely bedtime stories, particularly for parents juggling long work hours and multiple children.
As a parent, I treasure reading with my son, watching him delight in stories and characters. Yet I acknowledge my privilege: I grew up in a book-loving family, have the resources to buy books, and the time to share them with him. Many families don’t have this luxury, and the economic strain makes reading feel like a low priority.
The pervasive use of screens also plays a role. Even as an avid reader, I notice the impact on my attention span. For children, the lure of screens can be even stronger, with concerns about their effects on development. Programs like Cocomelon and the omnipresence of devices have fueled advocacy for screen-free childhoods.
Efforts to promote reading are underway. Schools, nurseries, and charities like BookTrust provide free books to families. However, to truly encourage reading, we need empathy, support, and systemic change. Addressing the economic challenges facing families is essential to create the time and space needed to foster a love of reading.
Small Joys Amid the Challenges
Despite these struggles, moments of wonder remind us of the joy books and stories can bring. My toddler recently sat captivated through The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre, his excitement a testament to the power of storytelling.
Yet not all efforts go as planned. My attempt at crafting a Christmas mouse house ended in frustration when supplies ran out. Thankfully, my resourceful mum stepped in, embodying the creativity and determination that reading and storytelling often inspire.
Reading for pleasure is a gift we must strive to preserve, not just for its immediate joy but for the lasting impact it has on young minds and futures.
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#RhiannonLucyCosslett
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