Teen reading in the digital age

Digitization and the introduction of new media platforms, networks, and technologies have radically altered the way in which young readers source, consume and interact with literary and non-literary texts.

The Deakin University led project, Teen Reading in the Digital Era aims to generate Australian studies of reading for various purposes in different geographical locations and social environments.

The research aims to provide insights into reading preferences, practices and access and other factors on reading choices.

The snapshot report from March this year looked at a study on Australian students aged between 11 and 16 years from secondary schools.

The study showed that the number of respondents who don't read for pleasure increased in the older age groups. It also found that girls were more likely to read longer per day than boys.

Most of the students reported finding books from their school library more often than the public library and there was a definite preference for reading books rather than reading on a tablet or digital device.