This informative article compares the reading habits of Australians and compares them to those of 19 other countries both English and non-English speaking. Several myths and ‘commonsense’ notions are challenged by the data gathered by the European and International Book Federation which demonstrates that the cost of books is not the cause of a decrease in reading. Of interest to Australian educators might be this change identified between 2017 and 2021. There was a 17% decrease in Australian respondents who had read at least one book in the year. There are however many positive suggestions taken from other countries of how this can be turned around in ours. A very worthwhile article to share especially with parents who might like to reflect on how some of these positive changes can be made in their local communities.
Reference: Johanson, K. (2024, Nov, 19). Australians are reading less than other countries, a new report shows. Why? The Conversation.