One in five children, aged five to eight, don't have a book of their own at home

New research from the National Literacy Trust reveals one in five children, aged five to eight, don’t own books at home, with the increasing cost of living to blame.

This month, the National Literacy Trust produced a report outlining the results of their annual literacy survey. The study explored the reading enjoyment, confidence, frequency, attitudes, preferences, and book ownership of children aged 5 to 8 in early 2022. It has provided valuable insight into reading motivation and the ways reading can be so beneficial for the mental well-being of these children.  

Children’s Reading in 2022: The Facts 

The report revealed that 1 in 5 children, aged 5 to 8, do not have a book of their own, meaning they aren’t able to explore reading and learning at home, where so much valuable practice can take place. This is an increase of 1.9% since before the pandemic, with this statistic at its highest point since 2019. The impact of this on reading ability could be vast, with the report outlining that reading enjoyment decreases drastically among those who don’t own their books. 

“More than 3 in 4 (77.7%) children who have a book of their own at home said that they enjoy reading, decreasing to 2 in 3 (66.2%) of those who don’t have a book of their own.”  

The report arrives at a time of huge economic concern. The impact that the cost of living crisis will have on children’s learning is yet to be fully realised, but with 64% of parents stating that the amount of money they have to spend on books for their child has decreased, this crisis could provoke a further spike in reading enjoyment and therefore ability. 

“Only 1 in 2 (52.4%) children say that they read daily, while 1 in 13 say they never read at all.”  

This month also witnessed a worrying new government report, where data shows attainment fell further for poorer pupils in 2022, widening the attainment gap. This is the widest level the gap has been in 10 years.  

How you can help a child to read 

These statistics are a hugely valuable insight into why this is a crucial time to become a Bookmark volunteer. You can make a difference in the lives of these children. 

Through the disruption to learning during the pandemic, paired with the cost of living crisis, our volunteers are helping to resist the obstacles children are facing in their reading across the UK. If you believe we can help a child read better, feel more confident reading, and start to love it, begin your journey with us at www.bookmarkreading.org/volunteer.