Best-selling author Frank Cottrell-Boyce is spearheading a campaign to address what he describes as a "recession in children's happiness," driven by a decline in reading for pleasure among young people. Cottrell-Boyce will speak at a summit in Liverpool on Wednesday, where he plans to highlight that while UK children may excel in reading league tables, their enthusiasm for reading is waning. This decline, he warns, could lead to less happiness among children. He urges politicians to take decisive actions to counteract this trend and is calling on the government to visibly demonstrate that it values its children. The summit, organized in collaboration with BookTrust, a notable children's reading charity, aims to galvanize support for this cause.
Cottrell-Boyce has fond memories of his own childhood, attributing much of his happiness to being read to at an early age. He describes this "invisible privilege" as a significant factor in his development and success. The summit will also feature speakers such as Cressida Cowell and Michael Rosen, former children's laureates, and Rachel de Souza, the government's children's commissioner. Following the event, a report will be issued to further underscore the importance of reading for pleasure.
"That our children seem to be experiencing some kind of happiness recession at the moment is not surprising, and I believe that the decline in reading has played its part in this." – Frank Cottrell-Boyce
Recent research supports Cottrell-Boyce's concerns. A 2022 BookTrust survey of over 2,000 low-income families in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland found that less than half of children under seven are read a bedtime story regularly. This lack of early exposure to reading can have long-term impacts. Disadvantaged children who perform well at the end of primary school are often those who were read to at home during their early years.
Cottrell-Boyce emphasizes that reading is not just crucial for educational attainment but is also integral to cultural heritage and mental health. He argues that shared reading serves as an affordable and effective health intervention, fostering bonding and attachment between parents and children.
"Shared reading is an effective, economic health intervention, so yes, it's essential, [Health Secretary] Wes Streeting, to mental health, to bonding, to attachment, to creating a situation where parents and carers can give the best, the most joyous start in life to our children." – Frank Cottrell-Boyce
Despite the challenges, Cottrell-Boyce remains optimistic about reversing these trends. He believes that with adequate support and resources, including providing books and materials like Pritt stick and copies of "Dear Zoo," children can improve their reading skills and rediscover the joy of reading.
"It's easy to get depressed about the situation, but there's a huge amount of happiness and optimism to be drawn on," – Frank Cottrell-Boyce
The Department for Education acknowledges the importance of foundational skills in reading and writing as part of its broader educational strategy.
"High and rising standards, with excellent foundations in reading, writing, and maths and making sure tens of thousands more children start school ready to learn are key parts of our Plan for Change to ensure every child can achieve and thrive." – Department for Education spokesperson
