New data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) indicates a significant decline in reading proficiency among 15-year-old students across developed countries. The latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results reveal that average reading performance in 2025 fell to a level more than a year below that recorded in 2018.
The study highlights growing concerns around the impact of social media platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) tools on adolescents' ability to concentrate and engage deeply with texts. According to the OECD report, skills related to drafting, critical evaluation, and comprehension have deteriorated, while tendencies toward skim reading and superficial understanding have increased.
Experts suggest that these trends reflect a shift in how young people interact with written material, with a preference for quick, fragmented consumption often facilitated by smartphones and digital applications. The OECD described the association between passive technology use and reduced reading proficiency as “compelling,” calling attention to the potential consequences for students' broader cognitive development and academic performance.
In response, some educators and policymakers have proposed restricting smartphone use in schools to encourage more focused reading and improve literacy outcomes. Advocates argue that limiting access to digital distractions could help restore students’ ability to engage more deeply with texts and develop critical thinking skills.
However, others caution against attributing the decline solely to technology. They point to a range of contributing factors, including changes to curricula, variations in instructional methods, and broader societal shifts affecting students' motivation and learning environments. Some experts emphasize the potential role of technology when used effectively, suggesting that AI and digital tools might also be harnessed to support literacy if integrated thoughtfully into educational settings.
The findings have sparked debate among educators, parents, and researchers about how best to balance the benefits of digital innovation with the need to preserve foundational literacy skills. As concerns mount over declining reading abilities, the discussion continues over the most effective strategies to support young learners in an increasingly digital world.