26.02.2025 | Text by Rita Alves

Reading continues to be a significant part of Portuguese students' daily lives, but it faces challenges and new trends. The study by the Portuguese Observatory on Cultural Activities (OPAC), titled "Reading Practices of Primary and Secondary School Students - Barometer'23," analyzed the reading habits of over 31,000 primary and secondary school students in mainland Portugal. The findings reveal notable changes in how young people read and choose their books.

The data indicates that younger students still engage in reading significantly: 97% of first-cycle students and 96% of second-cycle students report that they read books. However, this percentage declines as students age, dropping to 90.4% in the third cycle and only 78.2% in secondary school.

The study emphasizes the critical role of the family environment, noting that the presence of books at home and the educational level of parents are directly linked to higher reading frequency. School libraries also contribute positively, as over 92% of students have access to a library in their school.

Another significant shift is the impact of technology and social media. Digital reading is becoming increasingly popular, with 59% of third-cycle students reading on electronic devices. Platforms like TikTok and BookTok are also starting to influence students' book choices, particularly among secondary school girls. The study reveals that nearly one-third of students have been influenced by these platforms when selecting their reading materials.

However, there are challenges to address. A concerning 64% of secondary school students find compulsory reading books boring, highlighting the urgent need to revamp how reading is presented in schools.

Barometer'23 underscores the importance of public policies that promote reading in engaging and accessible ways. It advocates for leveraging new trends to ensure that books remain a consistent presence in students' lives.

This study on the evolution of reading practices among primary and secondary school students was commissioned by the National Reading Plan and conducted by OPAC in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Education and Science Statistics (DGEEC) and the School Libraries Network (RBE), with support from ARM - McDonald's Restaurants Association.

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