Embarrassment is preventing children from reading in their spare time, according to new research.

A study carried out by the National Literacy Trust in the UK revealed just 30 per cent of youngsters read every day, which is down from 40 per cent seven years ago.

However, it is not just books that are being put aside, with the number of eight to 16-year-olds reading comics, magazines and online material also falling.

One in six youngsters claimed the reason for their lack of interest in reading is due to being too embarrassed to read in front of their friends in case they were called names such as 'geek'.

Meanwhile, researchers believe other activities such as watching television and playing with games consoles is having an impact on reading.

The National Literacy Trust's director Jonathan Douglas commented: "We need to make reading irresistible. We want to call on families and professionals working with children and young people to make ten minutes in their day for reading."

Written by Donal Walsh

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