Teen Reading Slumps to Worst This Century Due to Surge in Screen Time

Teen reading, math, and science scores have hit their lowest levels in a century, according to the latest international PISA testing. Fifteen-year-olds are now reading at a level typically expected of students a year younger. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) attributes this decline to increased screen time, less reading for pleasure, and digital distractions.

Students who frequently use AI chatbots for tasks like essay drafting and text summarization scored about 20 points lower in science, which is roughly equivalent to a year of learning.

The 2012 reading high of 501 on PISA's index has dropped to a score of 466. The test is considered the world's leading gauge of educational performance, and its results are closely monitored by governments and educators. Mathias Cormann, the head of the OECD, noted that more screen time and less reading for pleasure have contributed to weaker results, adding that there is more "hasty reading," with students rushing through texts and giving incorrect answers.

The study also revealed that students from better-off backgrounds experienced a sharper decline in reading scores. Average teenage science and math skills were also at their lowest point in a century. Science scores fell from a high of 506 in 2009 to 486, while math scores dropped from 502 to 469. East Asia emerged as the best-performing region, with cities in China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan showcasing exceptional educational systems.

Britain and Estonia were the only countries outside the region to rank within the top 10 in reading, math, and science.