Education
Why Young People's Reading Skills Have Been Declining for Years: 'Many-Headed Monster'
Despite efforts by libraries, knowledge centers, and government funding, Dutch youths' reading skills continue to decline, as shown by the 2025 international PISA study. Nearly 40% of 15-year-olds struggle with reading, especially in VMBO schools. Experts Barbara Wormgoor and Jeroen Dera cite multiple causes, including competition from digital media and unequal opportunities. The Ministry of Education plans new actions, but both experts stress that improvement requires long-term commitment and systemic changes, including better teacher training and bringing books directly to children.
Ozetta summarises; the reporting is the newsroom's