Children's Reading and Listening in 2024

The National Literacy Trust has just published research showing that, in a year that saw the lowest levels of reading enjoyment since 2019, many children and young people were inspired to read by listening to audio, including audiobooks and podcasts.  

42% of 8-18 year olds were listening to audio in their free time in 2024, compared to 35% who enjoyed reading. What I think is really interesting is that the number of boys listening to audio is more than girls (43% v 40%). Compare this to the stark statistic that only 28% of boys read v 40% of girls, and it’s clear that audio is a brilliant way for children to access literature when they wouldn’t otherwise.

Please don’t get me wrong, I’m an avid reader and nothing replaces reading a book for me.  But audiobooks are an enhancement to my life because I can listen to them whilst doing other things: walking, tidying and emptying the dishwasher (for some reason, one of my most hated tasks!).  Whereas books feel like a more exclusive activity, and therefore even more of a treat. 

When I really enjoy an audiobook story, or find the information in a non-fiction audiobook compelling and I want to know more, then I buy the book. The two are not mutually exclusive and that is what the National Literacy Trust study found. 38% of young people said audio sparked their interest in reading books and 52% of those who enjoyed listening also enjoyed reading.  This is a really interesting stat because only 36% of those children who didn’t listen to audio actually enjoyed reading.

The satisfying conclusion (at least for an audiobook narrator and book lover!) is that audio is a ‘way in’ to books for children, not a replacement for them.