Mind the Gap: the importance of reading in the teenage years
So far on our Mind the Gap journey, we’ve explored the importance of encouraging reading in the early years and in primary school – the first building blocks of a child’s life-long experience of reading. Now, we’re shifting our focus to the teenage years as we look at reading in secondary school, where good literacy can open opportunities, build confidence and improve wellbeing.
Unfortunately, the picture of reading enjoyment during this time is worrying. Research from the National Literacy Trust* shows that reading among children and young people has fallen to the lowest level in 20 years, with the decline being even steeper amongst teenagers. Only 1 in 3 children aged 8 – 18 say they read daily in their spare time, and 20% of all 15-year-olds have reading age of 11 and below.*
As with in primary schools, the problem is worse in disadvantaged areas. By the end of secondary school, disadvantaged pupils are almost 2 years behind their more advantaged peers** – showing the worrying growth of the literacy gap as children grow older.
So why is reading during the teenage years so crucial? Let’s unpack it.
Academic attainment: reading as the keystone skill
As children progress through secondary school, reading becomes crucial to all their subjects – not just English. By the time children reach GCSEs, good literacy is fundamental to understanding and decoding problems in maths, science, history and the rest of the curriculum. Strong reading skills prompt better academic outcomes across the board.
In fact, research finds that reading ability is just as important for success in maths and science as it is in English – an important reminder that literacy isn’t reserved for English class.
For all young people, passing their GCSEs opens doors to apprenticeships, further education, higher education and job opportunities. Reading proficiency isn’t just about generating good grades – it’s about creating life paths.
With only 1 in 10 disadvantaged children who leave primary school unable to read at the expected level passing their GCSEs***, encouraging reading in the teenage years is crucial.
Competing for attention: the impact of technology
It’s no secret that teenagers live in a digital world. Phones, social media and video games dominate leisure time, and while these technologies have their place, they pull attention in short bursts and discourage deep focus.
Reading longer texts – especially narratives – does something different. It helps build sustained attention, boosts critical thinking, and provides an emotional space to dive into someone else’s life, perspective and story in a way that screens often don’t. What’s more, young people who enjoy reading for pleasure tend to have stronger vocabulary, comprehension and learning outcomes.****
Importantly technology isn’t the enemy – used well, it can be part of the solution. Research shows that digital reading (like e‑books, comics and online fiction) can engage students who might otherwise be reluctant to pick up a print book, particularly boys and those from lower-income backgrounds.
But whether a teenager is reading on screen or on paper, what matters most is that they read often and meaningfully, developing consistency and quality.
The importance of literacy in the 21st century
Reading today is more than decoding print books. The OECD’s ‘21st Century Readers’ reevaluates literacy for our digital world: young people need to be able to find, interpret, evaluate and use information across diverse media. That means reading text online, distinguishing fact from opinion, navigating digital spaces safely, and being savvy about misinformation.
Here, good literacy is crucial. A teenager who can critically evaluate a news article, a social media thread or a persuasive email needs good literacy to do so. Literacy is a skill needed not just for school, but for everyday life in the information age.
So when we talk about reading in secondary school, we’re talking about empowering young people to be active thinkers and participants in the world – not passive consumers of whatever pops up on their screens.
How we can make reading relevant for teens
If we want to close the literacy gap and reignite a love of reading at this stage of life, we need to make reading for pleasure a focus. Below are some ideas to encourage this in teenagers.
Teenagers read in so many different formats – e-books, short stories, blogs, graphic novels, even song lyrics. We need to value these as real reading – and allow teenagers the choice of whatever form they would like.
We need to make sure teens have access to stories they can see themselves reflected in – through characters, authors and stories that feel authentic to their identities, experiences and communities.
Young people who see adults - parents, teachers, community leaders - reading and talking about books are more likely to read themselves. Conversations about reading, not just assignments, make it social and meaningful.
Linking reading to film, music, gaming or sports is a great way to make it feel relevant to a teenage reader. If a novel connects to a favourite show or hobby, teens are more likely to dive in.
Reading in the secondary school years isn’t just about educational attainment. It opens doors: to new knowledge, understanding and opportunity.
At a time when young people’s reading enjoyment is at a worrying low, we have to rethink what literacy means and how we can encourage it to help close the literacy gap. By embracing the ways teenagers actually read, by championing choice and representation, and by celebrating reading as something enjoyable – not just a piece of homework – we can help every young person discover the joy of reading.
*Children and young people’s reading in 2025 | National Literacy Trust
**Local authority gaps – Education Policy Institute
***‘Now the whole school is reading’: supporting struggling readers in secondary school – GOV.UK
****Reading For Pleasure | National Literacy Trust
Help close the literacy gap
The National Year of Reading 2026 is our moment to change the story for thousands of children falling behind. Become a reading volunteer and help a child build confidence, discover the joy of reading and close the gap before it widens.
