Teen Reading Skills Drop to 30-Year Low

What’s Falling Behind

Teen reading proficiency has reached its lowest point in 30 years. This decade-long slide doesn't just represent weaker test scores—it’s a signal that fewer teens are able to decode complex texts, grasp critical ideas, or maintain deep focus.

Several factors appear to be contributing:

• Fewer hours spent reading each day, especially for fun or enrichment.
• Distractions from smartphones, social media, and streaming, which shorten attention spans.
• A widening divide in access to quality reading resources outside the classroom.

A Quiet Literacy Crisis

This isn’t just a numbers story—it’s a cultural one. Declining teen reading skills could hamper critical thinking, academic success, and even career potential. Reviving literacy may be one of the most urgent, silent battles we face.