Why Reading Habits Are Declining Among Students – And How Schools Can Fix It

posted on Sep 08, 2025

Explore why student reading habits are declining and how schools can fix it with DEAR time, library upgrades, book clubs, and audiobooks.

Introduction

In a world that moves as fast as ours, it's no longer unusual to hear teachers and parents lament that there is a disturbing trend - students are reading less than at any time in history. As earlier generations were raised on the pages of storybooks, newspapers, and newsstands, children now are busily scrolling through social media, binge-watching YouTube, or accessing online footage in bite-sized increments. This changed behavior has resulted in a concerning deterioration in reading among young students.

At BGS Vijnatham School, Among the Best School in Greater Noida West, we are believers in helping children develop a love of reading as a foundation in building critical thinking, a sense of empathy, a proficiency in a second or foreign language, and a sense of imagination. But before we offer solutions, it's time first to explore why reading is on the decline — and how schools can help turn the page.

Why Students are Reading Less?

1. Digital Distractions

The most obvious cause is the development of modern technology. Smart phones, tablets, and continuous access to the worldwide web mean distractions are never out of reach for students. Short video clips, social media reels, and instantaneous notification have all redrawn attention spans and made it ever more difficult for students to sit and read a book without interruption.

2. Absence of Time

Scholastic pressure, extracurricular activities, tuition, and homework have made students' leisure time scarce. Reading, a quiet and concentration-intensive activity, gets compromised in place of activities that are faster and give a quick entertainment dose.

3. Low Exposure to Great Books

The school libraries are either outdated or lack basic amenities, and books are irrelevant to the contemporary world. When the students do not find interesting and relevant stuff, they are less interested in reading.

4. Reading as a Chore

When reading is associated merely with test-taking and reading textbooks, it becomes work in a student's eyes. The joy of getting absorbed in a story goes into oblivion as soon as reading becomes purely associative.

How Schools Can Recover the Lost Joy of Reading

At BGS Vijnatham School, one of the best schools in noida extension, we emphasize inducing a hearty reading culture that inspires and engages children. Below are four efficient ways through which schools can revitalize reading among kids:

1. DEAR Time (Drop Everything and Read)

The easiest and most effective way we have for cultivating a reading affection is by establishing a discrete time during the day or during the week reserved exclusively for reading books—no phones, no work, all books. Dubbed DEAR time (Drop Everything And Read), it is a quiet, concentration-filled time in which students are permitted to read absolutely for enjoyment. Whereas in DEAR time, the children are allowed to choose their own material — novels, textbooks, graphic novels, or poems. Making it less obligatory and more enjoyable by letting children choose what they like. Teachers themselves can also join in as a way to model reading and stimulate book talk.

2. Library Makeovers

A well-designed, inviting library can work wonders in attracting students to books. Schools should invest in library makeovers to transform dull, dusty spaces into vibrant reading hubs. Comfortable seating, colorful shelves, cozy reading corners, and a variety of genres can make libraries more appealing.

Additionally, rejuvenating the collection via age-inclusive, diverse, and inclusive books guarantees there'll be something all the students can relate to. We've selected our library in BGS Vijnatham School with the most up-to-date books in a range of genres and reading levels, which have something in store for all — both young and avid ones.

3. Book Clubs and Reading Challenges

Reading is more interesting if it can be a collective activity. Book clubs allow students to read collectively, share tales, debate on themes, and make book recommendations among themselves. This induces a sense of belonging and responsibility and socializes and makes reading enjoyable.

In addition, schools can host reading challenges with prizes, certificates, or badges for achievements such as "10 Books in 30 Days" or "Genre Explorer." Gentle competition can encourage reluctant readers to make that first step, and for voracious readers, it provides recognition and encouragement.

4. Adding Audiobooks

Not every student learns the same way. Some struggle with traditional reading due to learning differences, language barriers, or attention issues. Audiobooks can be a game-changer in such cases. By allowing students to listen to stories, schools can make literature more accessible and inclusive.

These can be played at school, library, or even as homework listening. They support comprehension, vocabulary, and pronunciation — and, as a free bonus, can be integrated into print book use, creating a richer, more integrated reading experience. Increasingly popular books are now released in their audiobook incarnation, giving a ready-made way of getting children up and running with a story.

Concluding Remarks

The fall in reading among students is a cause for concern — but it is a reversible trend. The schools can reverse the decline and inculcate the joy of reading as a lifelong habit with the appropriate strategies. The initiative begins with inculcating a reading-friendly culture, providing the appropriate resources, and most importantly, making reading a fun activity once again.

As BGS Vijnatham School, we believe that readers are leaders. We aim to build well-rounded, study-strong students, but also inquisitive, creative, and caring individuals. Through investments in reading initiatives such as DEAR time, library upgrades, book clubs, and audiobooks, we are dedicated to ensuring every child finds the joy in reading. For if a student learns to love books, they are ushered into a world without end.