Reading and math performance among 15-year-old students across developed countries has declined significantly in recent years, a new survey by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows. The latest findings from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) reveal that average reading scores have dropped by 25 points, while math scores have decreased by 22 points since 2018—a decline equivalent to roughly one year of learning.

The report, released in 2026, highlights concerns over the impact of digital technology on students’ ability to concentrate and engage deeply with complex texts and data. Andreas Schleicher, OECD director for education and skills, described the link between the rise of social media, artificial intelligence (AI) use, and lower academic results as “compelling,” though the study does not establish direct causality.

Students’ reading skills are particularly affected, with the survey indicating that while young people now read faster than in 2018, their comprehension and critical evaluation abilities have weakened. The proliferation of short-form video platforms like Instagram and TikTok is cited as a likely factor contributing to “digital distraction,” which may undermine motivation and capacity for sustained concentration required in academic settings.

In science, the frequent use of AI tools is associated with poorer performance in tasks requiring summarization or drafting of texts, according to the report. Approximately 37 percent of students reported relying on “common sense” rather than scientific reasoning, raising concerns about preparedness for a future that demands evidence-based thinking. However, the negative effects of AI use appear less pronounced among pupils who employ the technology proactively to assist their learning rather than simply simplify tasks.

Schleicher emphasized that AI, while currently linked to some declines in skill development, has potential benefits if integrated effectively into education. He suggested that learning tools based on Socratic questioning could foster deeper understanding rather than enabling shortcuts that hinder effort and engagement. “If learning is easy, it is not learning,” he said, underscoring the importance of active cognitive effort.

Since its establishment in 2000, PISA has become a key benchmark for comparing educational outcomes internationally, assessing students in reading, mathematics, and science every three years. The latest results underline growing concerns that the digital environment and changing consumption habits may be impairing essential skills, with policymakers urged to consider measures such as limiting smartphone use during school hours to help students maintain focus.