The Declining Joy of Reading: A Growing Concern
The image of an infant laughing, pointing, and babbling at a book highlights a natural connection to stories – a connection that is, according to recent findings, becoming increasingly rare. Despite this innate appeal, reading for pleasure with children is being overshadowed in today’s technology-driven world.
The 2025 ‘What Kids Are Reading’ report, analyzing the reading habits of over 1.2 million students across 6,700 schools in the UK and Republic of Ireland, reveals a concerning trend: reading enjoyment among children and young people has fallen to a 20-year low. Only 32.7% of those aged 8 to 18 reported enjoying reading in 2025.
Children’s Books Ireland, an association dedicated to promoting reading for pleasure, echoes this concern, noting declining rates of both reading enjoyment and book ownership. Statistics show that over one in five children under four are not being read to, and 24% of Irish teenagers do not read for pleasure. Book ownership is also decreasing, with the average child now owning 20 books compared to 30 just two years ago.
A key misconception identified by research is the emphasis parents place on educational value when selecting books for their children. 21% of parents prioritize a book’s teaching potential over its enjoyment factor,overlooking the simple pleasure of shared reading time.
primary teachers interviewed expressed notable concern about the impact of excessive screen time. They cite negative effects on concentration, literacy, vocabulary, inventiveness, empathy, creativity, and a child’s understanding of the world. Teachers believe early and frequent access to devices fosters a need for instant gratification, potentially hindering the progress of focus, patience, and concentration necessary for reading.
Teachers strongly advocate for prioritizing reading with children for pleasure from a young age, noting that manny students entering Junior Infants lack basic book handling skills, such as turning pages, or familiarity with nursery rhymes. Interviews with older primary school students revealed that some do not read at all, with one student reporting a complete absence of books in their home. Conversely, students who do read for fun describe it as both exciting and relaxing, with some finding it a source of comfort during arduous times.
Parents interviewed acknowledged the pressures of overscheduled family lives and a desire for a slower pace. The question remains: why isn’t the simple joy of sharing a story with a child a more prominent part of family life?
Event Data:
Dr. Áilín Quinlan, a journalist and former primary teacher with a focus on children’s literature, is hosting an event titled ‘Read Together: Open their World’ at 6.30pm at Dunmanway Public library, Dunmanway, Co Cork. Space is limited; reservations can be made by contacting Dunmanway Library at dunmanwaylibrary@corkcoco.ie.
