The Bedtime Story in Numbers: A Look at Reading Habits in the UK, Europe, and Beyond

Based on various studies and surveys, the facts around bedtime reading can vary, but they all paint a picture of a cherished tradition facing modern challenges. Here is a look at the statistics in the UK, Europe, and globally.

In the UK

The data on bedtime reading in the UK is quite varied, suggesting the numbers can fluctuate depending on the study.

• A 2019 study by children's reading charity BookTrust found that only one-third of parents in the UK were reading bedtime stories to their children. The survey suggested that busy schedules and an increase in screen time were contributing factors. (Source: Newstalk, "Study finds two-thirds of UK parents not reading bedtime stories with their children")

• In contrast, a later poll of 1,000 parents conducted in 2022 by Oxford University Press found that 80% of parents and carers read with their children at least 2-3 times per week, with 59% wishing they read more. This suggests that the tradition remains popular for many families. (Source: Oxford University Press, "Raise a Reader: Press release")

• A more recent study by HarperCollins and Farshore revealed a decline in the habit, stating that only 41% of parents of children ages 0-4 read to them regularly, a steep decline from 64% in 2012. (Source: HarperCollins UK, "New data and research on children's reading for pleasure from HarperCollins")

In Europe

While there isn't a single, comprehensive survey for all of Europe, individual country data and broader trends highlight a similar picture to the UK.

• A 2013 poll of 2,000 mothers in Europe found that only 13% of parents read a story to their children every night, even though 91% recall being read to every night as children themselves. This indicates a significant generational shift in the regularity of the tradition. (Source: The Guardian, "Children's bedtime stories on the wane, according to survey")

Global Perspective

Worldwide statistics are often broader, focusing on early childhood development activities.

• A 2017 UNICEF study covering 64 developing countries found that a quarter of young children miss out on activities crucial for their cognitive development, including reading, singing, and telling stories. The report highlighted the "missing links between survival and school" that are often absent in the first few years of a child's life. (Source: UNICEF, "The State of the World's Children 2017")

Across all regions, common challenges seem to be a lack of time due to busy schedules, the rise of digital distractions, and a shift in how reading is perceived—from a fun, bonding activity to a more academic responsibility. Despite these challenges, the love for a good story and the desire for a special moment of connection at the end of the day continues to drive parents to pick up a book or tell a tale.