Teenagers are reading at their lowest levels in over two decades, according to a new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The decline is attributed to a surge in screen time, which has been linked to deteriorating educational outcomes.
Declining Literacy and Academic Performance
"In reading, more screen time and less reading for pleasure have gone hand in hand with weaker results," Mathias Cormann, OECD head, stated during a press conference.
- 15-year-olds from 91 countries participated in the assessment.
- Average reading scores dropped from 501 in 2012 to 466 in 2025.
The OECD's 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) tested approximately 760,000 students. Results showed that the average reading skills of teenagers now resemble those of students one year younger, raising concerns about the long-term implications for education.
In addition to reading, science and mathematics scores also reached their lowest levels this century, with science scores falling from 506 in 2009 to 486 and math scores decreasing from 502 to 469.
The data indicates that wealthier students are experiencing sharper declines in reading proficiency. The OECD noted that students reported spending an average of 3.4 hours per weekday on digital devices for leisure and 3 hours for educational purposes.
While recognizing the potential of digital tools to enhance learning, Cormann cautioned that excessive use—beyond five hours daily—could hinder academic performance.
Despite the alarming trends, the report refrained from recommending outright smartphone bans in schools. Instead, it highlighted a correlation between digital distractions and lower science scores in a significant number of education systems.