The Children and young people’s reading in Ireland report 2026
Digital distractions posing a clear barrier to children and young people’s reading according to latest research from national charity Children’s Books Ireland.
Today, (16.07.2026) national charity and arts organisation Children’s Books Ireland has published their annual research report. This year’s Children and young people’s reading in Ireland report provides a detailed insight into children’s, teenagers’ and their parents’/guardians’ reading habits; their perceptions of reading; book ownership and the obstacles to reading for enjoyment.
In previous years this research has been carried out with a nationally representative sample of parents in the Republic of Ireland, this year’s report has been extended to include Northern Ireland for an overall picture of behaviours and attitudes to reading across the whole island of Ireland.
The report is based on data collected by Ipsos B&A in December 2025 in a nationally representative online omnibus survey. Respondents were first asked how many children up to eighteen years they have, and then asked the questions separately for each child with findings separated into three categories: aged under 4, aged 5–12, and aged 13–18. The findings capture data for some 1,197 children.
While the captured data points to a widespread understanding of the importance of reading it also details significant barriers to reading which increase as children grow older: more than 1 in 10 (11%) children of primary school age seldom or never read, whereas this increases to almost one in five teenagers (19%); with digital distractions cited as a main obstacle by the active respondents.
Our key findings
54% of parents cite digital devices as the biggest barrier they face when reading or sharing books with their children
While the benefits of reading are widely recognised and 87% of respondents agreed that reading is extremely important, digital distractions are hindering reading habits in the family home, with children and young people opting for screen time over story time. Other entertainment in the home, including TV, tablets, game consoles and mobile phones were cited by 54% of the respondents as one of the biggest barriers they face to prioritising reading at home. 43% indicated that the cost of books was a key factor impeding on their reading and 33% cited time pressures as a barrier to spending time reading with their children. It’s noteworthy that three-quarters (76%) of respondents wished they had more time to read.
76% of parents value reading as an important part of their family life
In this research, there is a strong perceived importance placed on reading among parents, with this figure rising to 91% amongst parents who read daily. Respondents outlined their clear associations of reading with wellbeing (86%) and its educational benefits (88%). It is also seen as a vehicle for quality family time away from screens which are omnipresent in today’s world. Parents and guardians have a clear understanding of the value of reading but are in need of supports to motivate their children to become readers with 50% of respondents reporting it a challenge to choose appropriate and enjoyable books for their children.
23% of parents agreed that reading with their child was a chore
Despite the positive perceptions of reading among the majority of parents, almost a quarter of respondents agreed with the statement ‘reading with my child feels like a chore’ (7% strongly agree and 16% slightly agree). Taking into account that half of parents find it a challenge to find suitable books, Children’s Books Ireland’s focus will be firmly on promoting reading for fun and enjoyment, and separating home reading and storytelling from literacy skills and learning to read at school. With many families already time-poor, reading together should be a moment of calm, relaxation and togetherness, without the pressure of academic achievement. If a child enjoys reading and can develop their own identity as a reader, they are more likely to naturally be more successful in their lives, not just at school.
50% of children on the island of Ireland own 15 books or less
In 2023, the average book ownership figure for children in Ireland was 30 and since then, this figure has declined to an average of 23. Despite the well-established link between reading and wellbeing, this research reveals that half of children own 15 books or fewer. The findings also suggest that large personal book collections remain out of reach for many families, with only 17% of children owning more than 50 books. Within this breakdown of book ownership figures we can also see a gender gap with girls owning an average of 24 books, compared with 21 for boys which mirrors the gap in reading enjoyment between boys and girls as seen at a national and international scale.
23% of children read for fun every day and this rises to 46% amongst children whose parents read daily
Research shows that 23% of children read for fun on a daily basis and this rises to 46% when the child comes from a home where the parents/guardians read daily. Adults, especially those in the home, are obvious role models as they can set a positive example for young people by nurturing a love of reading, which in turn, can profoundly influence children and young people’s future opportunities. As studies show, a culture of reading and access to a range of books from the early years can entirely transform a child’s life. The benefits of reading for pleasure are well established and are wide-ranging, from increased happiness to positive mental wellbeing, higher levels of academic success and fewer socio-emotional difficulties.
Speaking on this latest research, Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland explains: ‘Our latest research shows us that parents and guardians play a crucial role in shaping children’s reading habits, and that reading is an important part of family life in the majority of Irish homes. While there is widespread understanding that reading is important for children’s wellbeing, families are faced with barriers to regular reading, including rising financial pressures, a lack of time and constant competition for theirs and their children’s attention from our own everyday devices.
We believe that another addiction is possible, and it can begin by simply opening the right book. In the coming years our focus at Children’s Books Ireland will be to help parents find excellent books for their children to enjoy from birth through the teenage years. Reading brings so many benefits and advantages for children – but it will only become a lifelong habit if they enjoy it. With the possibility of an EU-wide social media ban on the horizon, families could consider introducing small, consistent actions to bring reading for fun into their homes on a daily basis. Setting aside just 15 minutes to read together, sharing an audiobook on a car journey, visiting your local library every fortnight or creating a space for books at home can nurture a positive and powerful culture of reading at home.’
