The Reading Agency conducted research on adult reading habits in the UK and found that half of adults do not read regularly for pleasure, and 1 in 6 struggle to read at all. The research revealed barriers to reading such as low confidence and difficulty focusing. Young adults face the most barriers to reading, with lower enjoyment and challenges finding relatable content. Benefits of reading include improved wellbeing and creativity. Despite challenges, the desire to read remains strong.

Visit the Reading Agency article and download the full report here.

In the US studies have also found challenges for younger readers specifically related to the pandemic.

A study by Stanford Graduate School of Education shows that students in early grades experienced a halt in the development of basic reading skills during the pandemic. While there was some growth in fall 2020, it was not enough to make up for the loss experienced in the spring. Second- and third-graders were most affected, with overall reading fluency about 30% behind what would be expected in a typical year. Students in historically lower-achieving districts were impacted more severely. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to help students catch up.

1. Pandemic Impact: A study by Stanford University found that reading skills among young students in the USA stalled during the pandemic. Second- and third-graders were particularly affected, with their reading fluency being roughly 30% behind what would be expected in a typical year1.
2. PIRLS 2021: The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2021 report provides insights into reading achievement among students in the USA and other countries. It highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on reading skills and school operations2.
3. Reading Habits: According to a Pew Research Center survey, Americans read an average of 14 books per year, with the typical American reading five books in that period. This figure has remained consistent since 20113.
4. E-Books: The same Pew Research Center survey found that three-in-ten Americans now read e-books3.