Student reading skills have fallen to their lowest recorded level in the OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) international assessment, with increased screen use and reduced reading for pleasure emerging as major concerns. The 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment covered about 760,000 15-year-olds across 91 countries and economies. Average reading performance fell to 466 points, compared with a peak of 501 in 2012. Mathematics and science performance also declined compared with earlier assessment cycles. The findings highlight concerns about how excessive digital exposure can affect students’ ability to concentrate, read deeply and understand complex information. The report also points to the potential impact of heavy reliance on digital devices and AI tools. For parents and educators, the findings reinforce the importance of balancing technology use with regular reading. Building daily reading habits, encouraging longer-form texts and limiting unnecessary screen time can support stronger comprehension and critical-thinking skills.
Student Reading Skills Decline as Screen Time Rises: OECD Study
