Slovenia launches reading initiative amid declining literacy rates

Slovenian pediatricians and health organizations are launching the ‘Reading on Prescription’ initiative to combat the negative effects of excessive screen time on child development. In collaboration with the Mladinska knjiga publishing house and supported by the National Institute of Public Health, the program encourages shared reading to foster language skills, imagination, and emotional connection.

This initiative follows concerning data regarding declining literacy levels among youth. According to OECD PISA 2025 research findings, Slovenian 15-year-olds have reached their lowest levels of science, mathematics, and reading literacy since the country began participating in the study in 2006. Specifically, reading literacy is currently at a fundamental level for only 64 percent of 15-year-olds.