A forgotten relic

In an age of relentless digital distractions, the simple act of reading a book is becoming increasingly rare among children and young adults. Scrolling has replaced skimming, reels have replaced reflection, and attention spans are shrinking by the day. The decline in reading is not merely a cultural shift—it is a cognitive and societal crisis.

Reading is the cornerstone of critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. A child who reads learns to question, imagine, and empathize. A young adult who reads is more likely to engage with the world thoughtfully, navigate complex emotions, and build informed opinions. And yet, statistics worldwide show a sharp drop in reading habits among youth, replaced by screen-heavy consumption of short-form content that offers instant gratification but little depth.

The consequences are visible. Declining comprehension skills, poor vocabulary, and an alarming lack of analytical thinking are emerging across schools and universities. A generation raised on bite-sized information risks growing up to be impatient with nuance, uninterested in ambiguity, and uncomfortable with silence—the very ingredients that foster personal and societal growth.

This is not to romanticize the past or demonize technology. Digital tools have their place, and not all screen time is wasteful. But passive content consumption is no substitute for the active engagement that reading demands. Unlike watching videos or scrolling feeds, reading trains the brain to slow down, process, and reflect—a discipline that is indispensable in today’s fast-paced, reactionary world.

So where do we begin to reverse this worrying trend? First, schools must go beyond rigid textbook learning and cultivate a culture of curiosity through reading for pleasure. Mandatory reading periods, vibrant school libraries, and book clubs can transform how students perceive books. Reading should not be tied only to exams; it should be encouraged as an act of exploration and self-discovery. Second, parents and caregivers must model reading themselves. A household where screens dominate and books gather dust cannot expect children to see reading as anything other than a chore. Introducing bedtime stories, library visits, or simple shared reading time can spark lifelong habits.Third, public policies must prioritize access. Not every child can afford books. Mobile libraries, community reading programs, and affordable publishing initiatives can bridge this gap, especially in underserved rural and urban areas.

Finally, we must make reading relevant. Youth today are deeply engaged with issues of identity, climate, mental health, and justice. Curating contemporary, diverse literature that resonates with their lived experiences is key to making reading not just a habit, but a lifeline.

The future demands thinkers, not scrollers. If we wish to build a generation that is informed, empathetic, and imaginative, we must give them stories, not just screens. Let’s put books back into their hands—before the written word becomes just another forgotten relic.