The eight reasons why literacy is more important than ever

As the digital landscape evolves and the global economy becomes more interconnected, strong literacy skills are essential not only for personal development but also for social equity and economic competitiveness.

This article explores the importance of literacy for young people, supported by research from leading literacy bodies and educational institutions.

As economies become increasingly knowledge-based, strong literacy skills are critical for employability. The UK’s Literacy and Numeracy Strategy highlights that individuals with higher literacy levels are more likely to be employed. Conversely, those lacking basic literacy skills face a 26% lower likelihood of securing a job.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), adults with low literacy skills earn approximately £5,000 less per year than their literate counterparts. This wage disparity underscores the economic imperative of investing in literacy education for young people, especially as this gap is likely to widen as less manual jobs become obsolete and the UK needs more analytic, highly-literate workers.

Literacy is a powerful tool for social mobility. The Education Endowment Foundation reports that disadvantaged students who are proficient in reading are seven times more likely to achieve top GCSE results compared to their peers who struggle with literacy. If we leave literacy improvement to chance, motivated readers or parents, the gap between the vocabulary-rich and -poor will widen, creating further disadvantage. Schools must be on the front foot to ensure all children are proficient readers.

By prioritising literacy, we can help break the cycle of disadvantage, providing all young people with equal access to educational opportunities. Initiatives aimed at improving literacy rates among disadvantaged groups can significantly impact their academic and career outcomes, promoting a more equitable society.

In an era where information is at our fingertips, digital literacy is a critical component of overall literacy. According to a report by Ofcom, a staggering 95% of 16-24-year-olds in the UK use the internet daily. However, only 27% of young people feel confident in their ability to identify reliable sources online. As misinformation spreads rapidly, the ability to discern credible information from “fake news” is vital.

The National Literacy Trust emphasises that developing strong literacy skills enables young people to critically evaluate information, fostering informed citizens capable of navigating complex digital landscapes.

Literacy underpins essential skills that are crucial in the modern workforce, including critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. The UK Commission for Employment and Skills has reported that 40% of employers believe young people lack the necessary skills to meet the demands of today’s job market.

The National Literacy Trust reinforces this by stating that students with strong literacy skills not only perform better academically but are also more likely to develop the competencies that lead to successful employment. In a world where adaptability and innovation are prized, literacy serves as a foundational skill set.

Literacy serves as the foundation for lifelong learning and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. The Department for Education reports that individuals with strong literacy skills are more likely to pursue further education and training opportunities.

This adaptability is crucial as the UK economy evolves and new job roles emerge. By investing in literacy, we prepare young people not just for immediate academic success but for ongoing learning throughout their lives.

Literacy fosters civic engagement by empowering individuals to become informed and active participants in their communities. According to the Citizenship Foundation, young people who read regularly are more likely to vote and engage in civic activities. Overall, we’re seeing a decline in young people engaging, something which enhanced literacy can turn around for the next generation.

Strong literacy skills enable young people to understand complex political issues, advocate for their rights, and contribute meaningfully to societal discussions. By cultivating a literate population, we can encourage active citizenship and a vibrant democracy.

Strong literacy skills contribute to mental health and well-being by enabling young people to articulate their thoughts and feelings effectively. The National Literacy Trust has found that children with better literacy skills tend to have higher self-esteem and lower levels of anxiety.

Moreover, research from The University of Sussex demonstrates that reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68%. This highlights the importance of literacy not just as a functional skill but as a means of promoting emotional and psychological well-being among young people.

In an increasingly interconnected world, literacy enables young people to communicate and collaborate across cultures. A report by the British Council indicates that 90% of employers believe that literacy and communication skills are essential for a globalised workforce.

Proficient literacy equips young people to navigate diverse environments, enhancing their employability in an international context. As global competition intensifies, fostering literacy skills is vital for preparing young people to thrive in a multicultural economy.

Prioritising literacy for school children in the UK is more crucial than ever and a Bedrock Learning study in 2022 highlights that a majority of educators share this view. As we navigate a complex, interconnected world, strong literacy skills are essential for personal development, economic competitiveness, and social equity.

By investing in literacy education, we equip young people with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly dynamic landscape, ultimately contributing to a more informed, skilled, and equitable society. A coherent literacy strategy is the foundation of transformational education and in the 2024/5 academic year, it cannot be part of the strategy. It is the strategy.