The UK is facing a worrying decline in book reading among children and young people, according to new research from the National Literacy Trust.
The research, published today, shows that only 25.8 percent of children said they read daily in their free time in 2019, the lowest level the National Literacy Trust has recorded since it surveyed children in 2005.
The report also revealed that the proportion of children who said they never read for pleasure in their free time had risen from 16.2 percent in 2005 to 27.9 percent in 2019.
The findings are particularly concerning given the importance of reading for pleasure in developing literacy skills, and the positive impact that reading can have on mental health and wellbeing.
The National Literacy Trust has called for urgent action to reverse the decline in book reading, including making sure that all children have access to books, providing more opportunities for children to read in school, and encouraging parents to read with their children.
The charity has also launched a campaign to promote the benefits of reading, and to encourage more children to pick up a book.
The research serves as a stark reminder of the importance of reading, and the need to take action to ensure that all children have access to books and are encouraged to read for pleasure.