As 2025 draws to a close, concerns about declining reading habits among children are growing, with educators and publishers warning of long-term cognitive impacts. Adding to the unease, Merriam-Webster named “slop” as its word of the year, while cultural commentators point to a broader sense of collective cognitive fatigue.
Recent data from HarperCollins UK suggests that even traditional storytime is becoming less common. Fewer than half of Gen Z parents now describe reading to their children as “fun”, and nearly one in three see it more as a subject to be taught than an experience to enjoy. Among children aged five to ten, only about one-third read for pleasure today, compared with more than half in 2012.
Parents admit storytime feels ‘boring’
Online discussions reflect this shift in attitude. Some parents openly admit that reading aloud feels tedious, especially when competing with colourful, fast-paced digital content. Educators, however, warn that even 10 to 20 minutes of daily reading can make a significant difference to a child’s language development and attention span.
Teachers report that children who are read to regularly show stronger comprehension skills and emotional engagement with stories, while others struggle to focus or interpret narratives.
Turning to AI for bedtime stories
In response, some parents are experimenting with technology to revive interest in storytelling. A growing number have turned to ChatGPT to generate personalised bedtime stories featuring their children as characters. Parents say this approach makes storytime more engaging, particularly when children are tired or resistant to traditional books.
While experts caution that AI-generated stories can be limited in diversity and depth, many acknowledge that supervised use may still be preferable to skipping reading altogether.
Beyond books: creative ways to read
Others are redefining what reading looks like at home. Cookbooks, wordless picture books, and dramatic read-alouds using character voices are helping families make literacy more interactive. Children’s librarians stress that “all reading counts”, especially when it encourages curiosity and conversation.
Alexandria Abenshon from the New York Public Library emphasises the importance of modelling reading behaviour. When children see adults reading for pleasure, they are more likely to view books as meaningful rather than mandatory.
Building habits, not perfection
Experts agree that cultivating a love for reading is a gradual process. Consistent routines, patience, and flexibility are key. In an era of shrinking attention spans, creating a dedicated, pressure-free space for reading may matter more than the format itself.