Over 40pc secondary students develop fragmented reading habits: survey

A survey revealed that secondary school students are developing fragmented reading habits, with over 40 percent tending to not finish a book or article.

Conducted by the Hong Kong Education City (EdCity) between May and June, the survey polled over 7,000 secondary students and around 150 teachers to understand students' reading behaviors involving traditional books, online articles, news, and other forms of literature. 

The results show that students' reading time has become quite sporadic, with six out of 10 students spending less than 30 minutes per reading session and 30 percent reading for less than 15 minutes at a time. 

Most of the students read only one to three sessions per day.

Over 40 percent of students preferred short articles and content rich in imagery, suggesting a trend toward fragmented reading. The survey also found that students' reading habits were primarily driven by the requirements of schools and parents rather than personal interest. 

Many teachers believe the fragmented reading pattern has led to a decline in students' reading comprehension and organizational skills.

To address the issue, EdCity recommended the education sector cater more to students' needs and interests, including leveraging the advantages of e-books to encourage them to read on-the-go and enhance the quality and appeal of reading.