Fewer American Children Are Reading (and Here’s Why It Matters)

At Mrs Wordsmith, we believe every child deserves the joy of getting lost in a story. But new data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in the US, highlighted by Pew Research Center, highlights a worrying trend: fewer American children are reading for fun than ever before. Even more worryingly, this trend isn’t unique to America – the figures tell us that British children are voluntarily picking up books less and less, too (more on that here). It’s a global issue – but in this blog, let’s take a look at the decline in reading among American children.

The Numbers: A Steady Decline

• Among 9 year olds: In 2020, only 42% said they read for fun almost every day. This is a very sharp drop from 53% in both 2012 and 1984. The percentage who never or hardly ever read for fun has hit a record high of 16%, up from just 9% in 1984.
• Among 13 year olds: The decline is even steeper. Just 17% reported reading for fun almost daily in 2020, down from 27% in 2012 and 35% in 1984. Nearly 3 in 10 (29%) 13 year olds now say they never or hardly ever read for fun, a dramatic rise from 8% in 1984.
• Gender gap: Girls are more likely than boys to read for fun, but both have seen declines. In 2020, 46% of 9 year old girls and 38% of boys read for fun almost daily. Among 13 year olds, just 20% of girls and 14% of boys did the same.
• Racial and ethnic differences: Asian American, White, and Hispanic 9 year olds are more likely to read for fun almost every day than Black peers, but the downward trend affects all groups.

Why Does This Matter?

Reading for fun isn’t just a pleasant pastime – it’s a powerful predictor of academic success and lifelong learning. The data shows that students who read for fun tend to perform better on reading assessments. For example, half of 9 year olds scoring at or above the 75th percentile on NAEP’s reading test said they read for fun almost every day, compared to just 39% of those scoring below the 25th percentile.

What’s Behind the Decline?

While the NAEP survey was conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, the downward trend has been steady for decades. Possible reasons include:

• Increased screen time: More time spent on devices means less time for books.
• Busy schedules: Homework, extracurriculars, and family commitments can squeeze out leisure reading.
• Access and encouragement: Not all children have equal access to books or adults who model and encourage reading for pleasure.

How Can We Turn the Page?

At Mrs Wordsmith, we know that reversing this trend is possible – and essential. Here’s how parents, teachers, and communities can help:

• Make reading irresistible: Offer a variety of books that match children’s interests and reading levels. Let them choose!
• Read together: Shared reading isn’t just for little ones. Reading aloud, even to older children, builds vocabulary, comprehension, and a love of stories.
• Model reading for fun: Let children see adults enjoying books, magazines, or comics in their free time.
• Create reading-friendly spaces: Comfortable nooks, well-stocked libraries, and regular “reading time” make a difference.
• Celebrate progress: Praise effort and curiosity, not just achievement. Every page turned is a step forward.

The Bottom Line

The decline in reading for fun isn’t just a statistic – it’s a call to action. By making reading joyful, accessible, and part of daily life, we can help every child rediscover the magic of stories. Let’s work together to turn the page on this trend and inspire a new generation of passionate readers.