From TikToks to Tolkien: Bringing Boys Back to Books

Boys are falling behind in reading — and the consequences are staggering. In this episode, we share an excerpt from Your Kid’s Next Read podcast with Allison Tait, Megan Daley, Matt Stanton and Dr Justin Coulson unpacking the crisis in boys’ literacy. From screen addiction to motivation, we explore why reading has lost its spark for boys — and how parents can bring stories back to life at home. You can listen to the full conversation here: Boys and Reading.

KEY POINTS:

• Reading rates are plummeting across the board — but boys are struggling most.
• The literacy gap between boys and girls now equals a full academic year by Year 9.
• Why screens are hijacking boys’ brains — and how to reset attention spans.
• The 3 ingredients that make kids want to read: autonomy, competence, and connection.
• Why dads matter most — boys become readers when they see men reading.
• The power of reading with your kids, not just telling them to read.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:

“For boys to love reading, they’ve got to see men who love reading.” — Dr Justin Coulson

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Your Kid’s Next Read podcast with Allison Tait & Megan Daley
• Raising Readers by Megan Daley
• Punished by Rewards by Alfie Kohn

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

1. Model reading — let your kids catch you with a book.
2. Choose connection over correction — read with them, not at them.
3. Follow their interests — comics, sports magazines, or game guides still count.
4. Build confidence — help your child feel capable with age-appropriate reads.
5. Make it social — talk about stories, characters, and favourite moments.

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