Issue 130

Reading for pleasure opens a world of benefits, from nurturing empathy to enhancing academic performance (Rutherford et al., 2024). However, for many Australian teens, reading books often takes a backseat to social media when it comes to their preferred way to wind down.The Discovering a Good Read survey, conducted by a project team from Deakin University, provides insights into the reading habits of adolescents and the nuanced preferences and challenges we need to address to foster greater reading for pleasure among our teens. 

We’ve recently read the report and felt inspired to create our own breakdown of its data, as well as offer some suggestions to help you keep your teens excited about their next read.

Teen reading habits

The survey reveals that only 15% of teens read daily, while 29% do not engage in reading at all during their free time. This, among other statistics, demonstrates preferences for online leisure activities over reading, highlighting the competition for teens’ attention.

The spectrum of teen readers

The survey also identifies seven distinct types of teen readers: Fiction Fanatics, Regular Bookworms, Rushed Fans, Casual Dabblers, Holiday Browsers, Sparse Readers and Book Abstainers. Each group exhibits unique characteristics and preferences, which library staff can leverage by tailoring their reading engagement strategies to capture a wide range of reader types.

Fiction Fanatics

Fiction Fanatics read daily and have a strong preference for fiction. They are typically enthusiastic about exploring new releases in their favourite genres and enjoy immersing themselves in complex narratives and character development.

Regular Bookworms

Regular Bookworms also read frequently and appreciate a balanced mix of fiction and non-fiction. They often seek out a variety of genres and are open to recommendations that expand their reading horizons.

Rushed Fans

Rushed Fans, on the other hand, read frequently but in short bursts. This is often due to their busy schedules. They might prefer books that are fast paced and engaging, or those that can be read quickly.

Casual Dabblers

Casual Dabblers read infrequently and have mixed feelings about reading. They might enjoy interactive, book-related activities or events that make reading a more social and engaging experience, helping to spark their interest in books.

Holiday Browsers

Holiday Browsers primarily read during school holidays, taking advantage of their free time to enjoy books they wouldn’t typically read during the school term.

Sparse Readers

Sparse Readers rarely pick up a book, often due to a lack of interest or difficulty finding appealing content. For these readers, personalised recommendations and accessible, high-interest materials can be crucial in encouraging more-frequent reading.

Book Abstainers

Lastly, Book Abstainers do not engage in reading at all. Addressing their barriers, such as providing more diverse and relatable content or incorporating multimedia and interactive elements, could help in gradually introducing them to the joys of reading.

Creating personalised experiences for different readers

Recognising and celebrating the differences between each type of reader allows library staff to create more personalised experiences for each cohort.

• For Fiction Fanatics, this might mean recommending new releases in their favourite genres.
• For Regular Bookworms, a diverse array of genres in both fiction and non-fiction areas could keep their reading experience fresh and exciting.
• Introducing fast-paced, engaging books to Rushed Fans could fit their busy lifestyles, while interactive, book-related activities can spark interest in Casual Dabblers.
• For Holiday Browsers, ensuring access to appealing books during school breaks is key.
• Tailored, accessible recommendations can encourage Sparse Readers, while innovative, multimedia content, such as audiobooks, might gradually engage Book Abstainers.

Influences on reading habits

The survey reveals that parental reading habits, peer influence, gender and age significantly impact teens’ reading behaviours. Understanding these influences can empower librarians to adopt more nuanced approaches.

Parental reading habits

Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s reading habits. The survey notes that teens whose parents read regularly are more likely to develop a love for reading themselves. Librarians could leverage this influence by organising family reading events where parents and teens can read and discuss books together. These events might include family book clubs or read-aloud sessions that create a shared reading experience. Introducing parent-teen reading challenges can also encourage families to read together, with rewards for those who achieve specific reading goals. Additionally, conducting workshops for parents can be instrumental in teaching them how to foster a reading-friendly environment at home and how to select books that their children are more likely to be interested in.

Peer influence

Peers have a significant impact on teens’ reading choices. According to the survey, teens often choose books based on recommendations from friends. Librarians can harness this influence by setting up a system where teens can recommend books to each other. For instance, a ‘peers picks’ section in the library or a peer review board can make book recommendations more relatable and appealing. Facilitating book clubs and social reading groups can also make reading a more social activity, where teens can discuss books with their friends and classmates.

If you have time, creating accounts for your library on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok can help you share book-related content in places where teens are likely to engage with it and share it with their friends.

The role of gender

Gender can affect reading preferences and behaviours. The survey highlights that female-identifying teens may be more inclined towards fiction, while male-identifying teens might prefer non-fiction or graphic novels. Highlighting and including diverse authors and stories within the library collection can help reflect a wide range of experiences and perspectives and foster inclusivity. By incorporating books that represent different cultures, backgrounds and identities, librarians can create a more welcoming environment for all individuals. Additionally, designing inclusive book displays that showcase a variety of genres and authors can inspire teens to explore literature beyond their usual preferences.

Age-appropriate strategies

Age can also influence reading habits, with younger teens often being more consistent readers compared to older teens, according to the survey. To address the decline of consistent reading in older teens, library staff can tailor their strategies based on age groups.

For younger teens (11–13 years), focusing on creating engaging and interactive reading experiences, such as book-themed events, storytelling sessions and interactive book-related activities, can be particularly effective.

For mid-teens (14–15 years), offering a mix of genres and formats, including graphic novels, audiobooks and digital resources, can cater to their diversifying interests as they mature.

For older teens (16–18 years), providing access to a wide range of materials, including career-related books, self-help guides and advanced literature, can keep them engaged. Encouraging participation in book discussions and literary analysis groups can further stimulate their interest in reading and critical thinking.

Explore the report for in-depth insights

As we navigate the evolving landscape of teen literacy, the Discovering a Good Read survey serves as a great resource, helping us blaze a trail through the complex jungle of challenges, preferences and distractions that must be addressed to keep our teens reading for pleasure. For those interested in delving deeper into the data, we highly recommend a thorough read of this excellent report.