Boys' reading decreases: "We should be really worried"

Earlier in September, the State Media Council came up with a report on young people's media usage and the trend around young people's reading continues:

"It is also possible to discern a clear decrease in the daily reading of newspapers and books since the first comparable data collection in 2012: In general, the daily reading decreases the older the children are," the report states.

- We should be very worried about this development. If you go out nine and do not really understand what you read then it means that you are outside the democratic society, you can not exercise their freedoms and rights, says Katti Hoflin, cultural director for the region of western Götaland.

At the same time, the state's municipalities and county councils note that girls are more qualified for high school and they have a higher average credit value than the boys. For several years, therefore, it is mainly the boys' lack of interest in reading that has been identified as a growing societal problem.

During the Gothenburg Book Fair, teacher Camilla Edvardsson Lundmark from Piteå Municipality was invited to talk about how she has managed to get Hortlax school's high school students to read. Hundreds of teachers have gathered to hear what she has to say and several will come afterwards for tips.

- I was so incredibly motivated to constantly motivate "why we should read," she tells Culture News.

The solution was one that was previously tested by, among others, LO. That dads, or other male role models, should read with their children.

- That's what the research shows. I was so frustrated and looking for solutions and what the research shows is that you are most affected by a male reading model - even the girls.

There is no research on whether or not the project at Hortlax has yielded results, but Camilla Edvardsson Lundmark sees a difference in the tests where the reading comprehension is compared annually. The attitude towards reading and the relationship between fathers and children is also affected, she says.

- I see a completely different approach to reading law. Now everyone knows that in Hortlax school you read with the fathers.

- There was a dad who said: "It's so funny, I usually have to say 'come here we have to talk, what have you done?' But now we got something completely different to talk about, ”she says.