UK - More young people own a mobile phone than own a book

[National Literacy Trust] Findings from new National Literacy Trust research to be published on Wednesday 2 June 2010 reveal that 86% of young people in the UK own a mobile phone, while only 73% have books of their own. The study of over 17,000 young people reveals a strong link between both young people’s reading ability and access to books at home.

The research supports our new Tell Me a Story campaign, launching on 2 June, which aims to raise awareness of the need for families to support children’s literacy.

To launch the campaign, we have teamed up with National Family Week, taking place next week (31 May to 6 June), to call on families to spend 10 minutes reading with the children in their life this Family Week Story Time on 2 June.

With more young people in the UK owning a mobile phone than a book, further results from the new National Literacy Trust research highlight the crucial importance of books in the home: 80% of children who read above the expected level for their age have books of their own; while only 58% who read below their expected level have books of their own.

Director of the National Literacy Trust Jonathan Douglas says:

“Our research illustrates the clear link with literacy resources at home and a child’s reading ability. By ensuring children have access to reading materials in the home and by encouraging children to love reading, families can help them to do well at school and to enjoy opportunities throughout their life.

“That is why we are launching the Tell Me a Story campaign to raise awareness of the importance of reading and sharing stories with children. One in six children in the UK will grow up without the literacy skills they need to fulfil their potential. We are campaigning to change this.

“This June we have teamed up with National Family Week to call on everyone to support Tell Me a Story by pledging to read a story for 10 minutes with the child in their life – whether it’s their son, daughter, grandchild, niece or nephew.”

National Literacy Trust research reveals more young people own a mobile phone than a book