Reading was once one of the primary ways young people learned about the world, developed their imagination and sharpened their thinking. Today, however, educators across continents are expressing concern that many young people read far fewer books than previous generations. This is not a uniquely Somali phenomenon but a global challenge affecting both developed and developing countries.
The decline in reading is not a sign that young people have become less intelligent. Rather, it reflects a world filled with constant digital distractions competing for their attention. Understanding the causes is the first step towards finding practical solutions.
One of the biggest reasons is the rise of smartphones and social media. Young people spend several hours each day scrolling through short videos, social networking platforms and instant messaging. These digital platforms are carefully designed to keep users engaged by providing endless streams of quick entertainment. As a result, many young people become accustomed to consuming information in seconds rather than concentrating on a book for hours.
Another major factor is the decline of a reading culture at home. Children who grow up in homes where parents read books, newspapers or magazines are more likely to become readers themselves. In many households, however, television screens and mobile phones have replaced books as the centre of family life. Without role models who value reading, children rarely develop the habit naturally.
Schools also face significant challenges. In many education systems, students read mainly to pass examinations rather than to satisfy curiosity or develop lifelong learning habits. Heavy reliance on memorisation often discourages independent reading and critical thinking. When reading becomes associated only with tests and grades, students may lose interest once they leave the classroom.
Limited access to attractive libraries and affordable books also contributes to the problem. Many schools, especially in developing countries, lack well-stocked libraries. Students cannot become enthusiastic readers if quality books are difficult to find.
The consequences extend beyond academic performance. Reading strengthens vocabulary, improves writing skills, enhances concentration and develops analytical thinking. It also builds empathy by allowing readers to understand different cultures, histories and perspectives. A society that reads less risks producing graduates who struggle with critical thinking, communication and informed decision-making.
Fortunately, this trend can be reversed through coordinated efforts by schools, universities, families and governments.
Schools should create a culture where reading is enjoyable rather than compulsory. Daily reading periods, book clubs, storytelling sessions and reading competitions can make books more appealing. Teachers should encourage discussion and reflection instead of focusing solely on examinations.
Universities also have an important role. Academic institutions should promote reading beyond prescribed textbooks by encouraging students to explore literature, history, science, philosophy and current affairs. Reading circles, author talks and library events can transform campuses into communities of readers.
Parents remain the first teachers. Reading to children from an early age, limiting unnecessary screen time and maintaining books at home help establish habits that often last a lifetime. Children are more likely to imitate what they observe than what they are told.
Technology itself can also become part of the solution. E-books, audiobooks and digital libraries provide convenient access to knowledge when used wisely. The challenge is not technology itself but learning to control it rather than allowing it to control us.
Finally, governments should invest in school libraries, public libraries and national reading campaigns. Partnerships with publishers, authors and educational organisations can make books more affordable and accessible, especially in underserved communities.
Reading remains one of humanity’s greatest inventions. Every book offers an opportunity to acquire knowledge, develop wisdom and expand imagination. In an age dominated by endless digital distractions, encouraging young people to rediscover the joy of reading is not merely an educational priority—it is an investment in the future of society. A generation that reads widely will be better equipped to think critically, innovate creatively and lead responsibly in an increasingly complex world.
Mohamed Mohamoud Adde is an academic and a geopolitical analyst