The Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD) released its 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) showing a steep decline in teen reading ability across 91 nations. The test, which surveyed 760,000 fifteen‑year‑olds, recorded the lowest reading scores of the century, a trend that mirrors drops in mathematics and science.
Reading skills fall to a level expected of younger students
On average, participants read at a proficiency comparable to students a year younger. The reading index fell from a 2012 high of 501 to 466 in the latest round. Similar downward moves were observed in science (from 506 in 2009 to 486) and mathematics (from 502 to 469).
Screen time identified as a key factor
OECD head Mathias Cormann told a press conference that “more screen time and less reading for pleasure have gone hand in hand with weaker results.” He added that many students now rush through texts, increasing the likelihood of incorrect answers. The report found that students in better‑off families experienced the sharpest declines, suggesting that digital distraction cuts across socioeconomic lines.
Digital distraction and academic performance
The study stopped short of recommending outright bans on smartphones in schools, but it highlighted a clear correlation: digital distraction was linked to lower science scores in 59 of 82 education systems examined. More than one‑quarter of respondents said devices distracted classmates during science lessons.
On average, OECD students reported spending 3.4 hours per weekday on digital devices for leisure, plus an additional three hours for learning purposes at school and at home. Cormann warned that while technology can enhance learning, using it for more than five hours a day begins to erode academic outcomes.
AI chatbots and the learning gap
Nearly half of the surveyed teens use artificial‑intelligence chatbots regularly for schoolwork. Those who rely on AI for drafting essays, summarising texts or researching topics scored about 20 points lower in science—roughly the equivalent of a year’s worth of learning.
Regional performance
East Asian economies continued to lead, with Chinese cities, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan topping the rankings. Outside the region, only Britain and Estonia placed in the top ten for reading, mathematics and science.
Implications for parents and educators
The findings underscore the importance of balanced screen use and intentional reading habits at home. Parents are encouraged to set clear limits on device time, promote reading for pleasure, and model disciplined study practices. Schools can reinforce these efforts by integrating focused reading periods and teaching students how to use digital tools responsibly.
Looking ahead
The OECD will continue to monitor trends and provide guidance to policymakers. As the data suggest, a collaborative effort between families, educators and communities will be essential to reverse the decline and restore strong literacy foundations for the next generation.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
