Do YOU prefer reading or listening to stories?

Do you enjoy jumping into a good book?

How do you like to enjoy stories?

Do you prefer opening a book and getting stuck in, or is it listening to tales that transports you to another world?

A new report from the National Literacy Trust (NLT) suggests children enjoy listening to audio more than reading books.

Just over 42% of children aged between eight and 18 said they enjoyed listening to audiobooks and podcasts in their free time in 2024, compared with just over 39% in 2023.

But the number of children who enjoy reading books has fallen to around 35%.

It's the first time more children and young people said they preferred listening to audio compared to reading since 2020, the NLT says.

The NLT also said that of the 38,000 young people aged eight to 18 who took part in their 2024 survey, 43% of girls listened to audio in their free time compared to 40% of boys.

The gap between girls and boys was much bigger when it came to reading books, with 28% of boys saying they read for enjoyment in their free time, compared to 40.5% of girls.

Despite the fall in reading for pleasure, listening to audiobooks and podcasts could lead children into reading for enjoyment, the NLT suggests.

Around 37.5% of the children and young people surveyed said listening to an audiobook had gotten them interested in reading books.

Are you an audiobook listener?

The rise in the popularity of audio is welcomed by the NLT, with their research suggesting audiobooks and podcasts can have a positive impact on children's learning and creativity.

"In recent years, we've seen a steady rise in children's enjoyment of listening to audio and uncovered the myriad of benefits it can bring - from sparking a love of reading and supporting literacy development, to deepening learning and boosting wellbeing," said the NLT chief executive Jonathan Douglas.

The government also says audio can play a role in improving learning.

"Reading for pleasure is hugely important, with strong links to improved attainment, wellbeing and development for young people," a Department of Education spokesperson said.

"Teachers are already encouraged to support their pupils to listen to, discuss and read a wide range of stories, poems, plays and books. This can include using audio books."

We want to hear from you - do you enjoy reading physical books, listening to audiobooks and podcasts, or both? You can let us know in the vote below and why not leave us a comment.