Reading enjoyment among young children declines significantly

A survey by the National Literacy Trust involving over 125,000 children reveals a notable decline in reading enjoyment among five to eight-year-olds. The percentage of children in this age group who enjoy reading fell from 75.3% in 2023 to 61.6% in 2026, representing a drop of nearly 14 percentage points in three years.

Research involving approximately 2,500 struggling young readers suggests that tracking individual progress rather than comparing achievements to peers can help mitigate frustration. Educators and parents note that children who find reading difficult often face additional pressure when they perceive themselves as falling behind their classmates.