Ebooks increase boys' reading progress, research finds
Using ebooks makes boys keener to read and can significantly increase their reading progress, according to new research from the National Literacy Trust (NLT).
The report, entitled ‘The Impact of Ebooks on the Reading Motivation and Reading Skills of Children and Young People’, found that boys enjoyed reading ebooks more than paper books, which also made them feel more confident in their reading ability.
The study was based on a survey of 468 pupils at 40 schools across the UK, who took part in an e-reading project.
Over an average of 4.2 months, boys’ reading levels increased by an average of 8.4 months, compared to 7.2 months progress made by girls. The percentage of boys who felt reading was hard decreased from 28 per cent down to 15.9 per cent, which the NTL suggests shows increased confidence in their reading ability.
The research also found that ebooks make boys more keen to read, with 66.5 per cent believing reading was ‘cool’ after the project, compared to 34.4 per cent before.
There was a 25 per cent rise in the number who read daily using ebooks and a 22 per cent increase in those who read for an hour or longer. Additionally, the number of school children who said they couldn’t find anything interesting to read dropped from 31.3 per cent to 19.7 per cent.
Irene Picton, research manager, said: “The study clearly shows that the impact ebooks can have on reading enjoyment, particularly for boys, goes well beyond the novelty of a new reading format. Children enjoy reading are more likely to do better at school and beyond, so finding ways to help children enjoy reading and to do so more often is vital to increase their literacy.
“It is important to recognise the increased reading opportunities that technology offers pupils and how it can help children who struggle to read, for example by giving them the option of increasing the font size of the text. This study indicates that technology has most potential to engage children, particularly boys, who do not enjoy reading.
“Our research found that technology can also transform children’s attitudes towards reading. Being seen reading on a tablet or smart phone is different to being seen with a book and this influences how much time pupils spend reading, not only using technology but in paper format too.”
Latest News
23/06/2025 - 10:00
The government has said that the Dedicated Schools Grant Statutory Override, which helps councils manage SEND costs, will stay in place until the end of 2027/28.
23/06/2025 - 09:50
Ofqual has launched a consultation seeking views on its proposed approach to regulating apprenticeship assessments, including those for foundation apprenticeship assessments.
20/06/2025 - 10:29
The government has published a 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, designed to address the maintenance backlog in schools, colleges, hospitals and courts.
20/06/2025 - 10:14
Let’s Go Zero is asking schools across the UK to take part in the Climate Action Countdown 2025 next week, which is a week of free climate activities running from 23rd to 27th June.
19/06/2025 - 11:06
New findings from Teacher Tapp looked at whether teachers were more likely to stay in their profession if they only taught in one classroom, as opposed to those who move between several.
