Only 10% of boys aged 14-16 read daily for pleasure, National Literacy Trust finds

The Guardian - World NewsEN 4 min read 100% complete by Sally Weale Education correspondentFebruary 22, 2026 at 02:00 PM

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A recent National Literacy Trust (NLT) survey in the UK reveals a significant decline in reading for pleasure among teenagers, particularly boys. The study, encompassing 80,000 young people aged 11-16, found that only 9.8% of boys aged 14-16 read daily, compared to 17.6% of girls in the same age group. Overall reading enjoyment and frequency decrease with age, attributed to competing interests like schoolwork, screens, and sports. The NLT's chief executive emphasizes that reading habits have fallen to record lows, especially among teenagers. The report, "Teenage reading: (Re)framing the challenge," coincides with the National Year of Reading, a campaign to promote reading for pleasure. Author Phil Earle calls for a long-term commitment from various sectors to address the issue.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

British Book Award 30% Phil Earle 40% Department for Education 50% Jonathan Douglas 60% United Kingdom ×270% National Literacy Trust (NLT) ×590%

Keywords

reading for pleasure 100% teenage reading 90% boys' reading 80% literacy 70% reading habits 60% national literacy trust 50% adolescence 50% young people 40% reading decline 40%

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Negative

Score: -0.40

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The Guardian - World News

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90%

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United Kingdom

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reading for pleasure teenage reading boys' reading literacy reading habits national literacy trust adolescence young people reading decline

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