National Literacy Trust have released a report based on 71,351 responses to their Annual Literacy Survey from children and young people aged 5 to 18 in early 2023, which it includes findings on reading enjoyment, frequency and attitudes and explores responses by age, gender, socio-economic background and geographical region. In 2023, they recorded the lowest level of reading enjoyment since they started asking children and young people about this in 2005. A large part of the reason is that fewer of those who have traditionally enjoyed reading, such as girls and those aged 8 to 11, now say they enjoy it.
National Literacy Trust's previous reports cautioned that increasingly visible downward trends in reading enjoyment and frequency should be addressed urgently. Declining reading enjoyment across a growing number of children and young people must act as a wake-up call for all who support children and young people’s reading for pleasure and the many benefits it can bring. Read the full report here