The death of literacy
Why reading is no longer a pastime
The digital era has changed how we consume media and read. According to the National Literacy Trust, fewer than 18.7% of 8- to 18-year-olds read something daily in their free time, and there has been a 36% decrease in reading enjoyment since 2005. And, according to The Reading Agency, 53% of adults consider themselves regular readers, a 5% decrease since 2015.
So why are people reading less in the UK?
It seems simplistic to say technology, but with the availability of social media, streaming apps, and internet access, it’s become a welcome distraction for many people who are overworked and overwhelmed.
There are plenty of digital resources for anyone to access news, stories, and other reading material online, usually condensed into short-form content.
The Reading Agency also found that, across all age groups, watching TV and spending time on social media and the internet rank above reading as a free-time activity, with nearly twice as many people (55%) ranking watching TV and movies as a top three activity, compared to reading (28%).
While technology is a major factor in why people are reading less, other factors also play a role. A lot of people, of all ages, simply don’t always have the time and are more focused on education, work and socialising. There is also a growing lack of access to books, with the National Literacy Trust finding that 20% of parents are buying fewer books for their children due to the cost-of-living crisis, rising to 36.1% among those who are struggling financially. And since 2010, over 800 public libraries in the UK have closed alone.
The National Literacy Trust also found that while more children enjoy reading at school than outside it (40.5% vs 34.6%), levels remain low across the board. They say a packed curriculum, high academic expectations and the perception of a challenging future may all contribute to children having less time to read for enjoyment and less mental space to do it. Additionally, trying to get students to connect with the literature they’re required to study can be difficult and may affect students' overall enjoyment of reading.
Dr Michael Smith, who has a PHD in Assessment Practices in GCSE English, said: “There are interesting discussions in education at the moment about the whole notion of decolonising the curriculum.
“Take Dickens, for example: we still require GCSE English students to study a 19th-century text, but the problem is that it doesn't resonate with students.
“That is not the approach to getting them to read more; that's an approach to turning them off because they feel excluded.”
What effect does a decline in reading have on people?
Reading, across all age groups, has gradually declined over the years, with 2025 recording some of the lowest levels. What effect does this actually have on people?
Poor reading habits correlate with limited vocabulary, weaker problem-solving skills, and reduced empathy. Reading fiction in particular helps individuals understand others' perspectives, a critical skill for personal and professional relationships. Those who rarely read often struggle to understand complex information, such as syllabi, job training manuals, and articles.
A decline in literacy also widens the social divide. Functionally illiterate adults face higher unemployment rates, poorer health outcomes, and greater reliance on social services.
Societies with low literacy rates also risk democratic erosion, as people are unable to critically evaluate information and become vulnerable to misinformation.
The Reading Agency found that low reading confidence was a barrier for UK adults, with 11% reporting that reading was "always" or "usually" difficult. This rose to 22% among young adults (16-24 year olds).
The charity Read Easy provides one-to-one coaching for adults who are unable to read but want to learn.
Here’s what Dr Michael Smith had to say on the decline of reading and its effects:
What are the benefits of reading?
Reading has many benefits for everyone, and cuddling up with a good book is one of life’s small pleasures.
Research by The Reading Agency, including audiobooks and e-books, found that those who considered themselves readers reported higher levels of social connection, better sleep, better concentration, and greater empathy.
Reading offers mental stimulation, keeping your brain active and engaged. There is some evidence that this can help delay the onset of dementia by actively keeping your brain engaged. It is far from a passive pastime. When we read, we create mental simulations of the activities, sights, and sounds of scenes in a story, blending them with our own memories and experiences, all of which stimulate neural pathways.
It also helps reduce stress. A University of Sussex study found that reading for just six minutes reduced participants' heart rate and eased muscle tension. Not only does reading reduce stress and tension by up to 68%, but it also works faster than many other relaxation techniques.
Research by The Reading Agency, including audiobooks and e-books, also found that those who considered themselves readers reported higher levels of social connection, better sleep, better concentration, and greater empathy.
Here’s what Dr Andrew Brown, Emeritus Professor of Education & Society at UCL Institute of Education, had to say about the benefits of reading and how it opened up a new world for him:
What is being done to look into the decline of reading?
The National Literacy Trust found that re-engagement among children and adults is possible if we personalise reading opportunities around interests, allow autonomy in choice, and better link reading to other media that children and young people already recognise as part of their cultural life.
Jonathan Douglas CBE, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “We are witnessing the lowest levels of reading enjoyment and daily reading in a generation, a critical challenge for literacy, wellbeing, and life chances.
“But our research also offers hope; young people are still motivated to read when it connects to their interests, when they have a choice, and when it feels relevant to their lives.
“We must meet young readers where they are emotionally, culturally and digitally – if we are to reignite a love of reading across the UK.”
In July 2025, Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson announced that 2026 would be the National Year of Reading. The National Year of Reading 2026 is a Department for Education initiative to address the steep decline in reading amongst children, young people and adults. The campaign is in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust, which serves as the delivery partner.
In November 2025, MPs launched a new inquiry, Reading for Pleasure, to explore how to keep the joy of reading alive. Submissions officially closed in January 2026.
Education Committee Chair Helen Hayes MP said: “Reading for pleasure has long given both stimulation and sanctuary to children and adults across the globe, whilst also teaching wisdom and wit. It has been considered an essential building block of learning and understanding the world around us. But right now, we appear to be witnessing a generational shift.
“The Education Committee wants to understand the forces at play and what the consequences could be for children’s lives. Crucially, we will look across the academic space and at good practice in schools and communities for solutions. We will hear from children themselves about how reading for pleasure can be nurtured to benefit their education, development, mental health and well-being.
“At the end of this inquiry, we will make recommendations to the Government about the role it can play in helping schools, communities, parents and carers, to ensure the joy of reading endures for future generations.”
How can you get into reading?
There are plenty of spaces and communities that can kickstart your love for literature. Here's a list of some book clubs you can join:
1) Brunch Book Club
Participants meet once a month to discuss a book and enjoy a bottomless brunch. Discussions are held online before an event, then it's off to brunch to continue the discussion and meet new people.
2) Left Book Club
A social gathering for like-minded people to discuss literature, and a quasi-publisher and not-for-profit book subscription service. They publish and distribute special editions of books to their members on topics such as politics, economics, society & culture by leading radical authors. They also host regular events, reading groups, and discussions with authors and special guest speakers
3) BookBar Book Club
A virtual book club, where you can discuss books and also receive a paperback book, watch a virtual interview with the author, get exclusive discounts and promotions, and join a monthly in-person discussion group.
4) Pages of Hackney
A bookstore that also hosts a book club. Once a month, they meet up to discuss a book everyone has recently chosen and read. The group has been running for many years, and can be a great way to discover new books and authors, maintain a steady reading routine, and meet others in the community.
So, there you have it, some of London’s best book clubs. Whether you already love reading or if you want to start making it a habit, these places are a good start.
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