A new study by HarperCollins has revealed a concerning drop in reading for pleasure among children aged five to 17. The percentage of young people engaging in daily reading for enjoyment has fallen from 39% in 2012 to just 25% in 2025.
According to the report, the “relentless” emphasis on assessing literacy progress within educational institutions has inadvertently “pushed reading for pleasure to the margins.” The study, which analyzed survey data on reading habits of UK children, combined insights from HarperCollins, NielsenIQ, and The Reading Agency. It concludes that while parents and schools acknowledge the importance of reading for enjoyment, their primary focus on developing essential literacy skills is actively hindering it.