Only 14% of 13-year-olds read for fun daily, according to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. At Santiago High School, this fact is apparent. In our library, there are more phones out than books. Here, phones dominate free time, but books still find a place in quieter moments. But if you look closer, you can see them tucked into a novel on that same screen. That contrast raises a question: has scrolling replaced storytelling? This decline matters because reading has long been tied to academic achievement and emotional well-being — and as teens trade books for screens, educators wonder what gets lost in the process.
The Decline in Reading
The numbers tell a clear story. It is a known fact that reading for pleasure has declined. According to The Pathfinder, 20 million fewer books were sold in 2023 than in 2022. The Pew Research Center also found that in 2021, 27% of 17-year-olds reported never having read for pleasure. At Santiago High School, 13 out of the 20 students I surveyed said they don’t find pleasure in reading.
Student Voices
For most teens, the explanation is simple: they are busy, and other forms of entertainment are just easier. “Honestly, I don’t have the patience for books. They take too long to become entertaining, truly, so I’d rather scroll on TikTok,” admitted freshman Ava Gomez.
However, not all teens are putting their books aside. Some still dedicate time to reading, despite their busy schedules. Many teens gravitate towards romance, fantasy, or even manga. “I read every night before bed. It helps me relax, and once I find a good book, I really enjoy it,” said sophomore Emma Blanch. The Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report says that while only 15% of teens are considered frequent readers, those who are tend to really enjoy it.
The Rise of BookTok
Programs like BookTok help with this reading fascination. BookTok is an online book club run through the TikTok platform. The hashtag has over 66 billion views. The ‘group’ focuses on book recommendations and discussions and offers a variety of genres to its audience. Initiatives like these invite everybody to a community, influencing others to give reading a try.
Why Reading Still Matters
Teachers and librarians believe that even if fewer students choose to pick up the books, the benefits are too significant to ignore. Research indicates that reading fosters both academic achievement and personal growth. “Research indicates that connecting with fictional characters might help readers to strengthen their perspective-taking skills,” said the Scottish Book Trust. A 2023 study found that kids between 9 and 13 scored higher on cognitive tests and showed fewer signs of depression during their teenage years. Teens may not be reading as much, but those who do often exhibit stronger writing skills and greater focus.
Redefining What Reading Looks Like 
Even with all the proven benefits, it’s clear that teens aren’t constantly reaching for a paperback. Many teens read through different forms, on a screen, in a comic, or through earbuds. Audiobook sales increased 13% from 2023 to 2024, as stated by Publishers Weekly. People argue that these forms should “count” just as much as traditional books. As one student put it, “I love audiobooks. They allow me to ‘read’ without being bound to pages.”
So, do teens still read for fun? The answer is complicated. Although fewer students choose books over their phones, stories aren’t gone. Book clubs, library initiatives, and student recommendations demonstrate that the activity remains alive. Reading is entertaining and it brings along many benefits. Whether through pages or pixels, it is still popular and valuable. Everyone, regardless of age or gender, should make time for stories. Discover the form you love most, and a joy for reading will soon follow.
