Teen reading slumps to worst this century due to surge in screen time
A global OECD study reveals that teenage reading, math, and science scores have hit their lowest levels since 2000. Experts attribute this decline to increased screen time and a reduction in reading for pleasure.
Why it matters
The decline in educational performance across 91 countries suggests a significant long-term challenge for global workforce development and cognitive development.
Teen reading slumps to worst this century due to surge in screen time FILE PHOTO: Teenagers look at their mobile phone screens in Paris, France, February 20, 2026. REUTERS/Manuel Ausloos/File Photo · Reuters By Leigh Thomas Tue, September 8, 2026 at 7:10 AM EDT 2 min read By Leigh Thomas
PARIS, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Teenagers more accustomed to smartphones than Shakespeare are reading at the worst levels seen this century, driving a broader decline in education, a global student assessment found.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's 2025 test of 760,000 15-year-olds across 91 countries showed reading, mathematics and science scores at their lowest levels since data began to be collected in 2000.
On average, students were reading at a level that had in the past been expected of students one year younger, according to the OECD's latest Programme for International Student Assessment released on Tuesday.
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