How do we get boys reading in the digital age?

Getting boys reading in the digital age: 5 Actionable Strategies for Parents

August 26, 2025

In a world where screens compete for every spare moment, encouraging boys to read can feel like a constant battle. Yet, reading remains one of the most powerful tools for improving academic success, and lifelong learning. The good news? With the right strategies, you can help your son discover an interest (perhaps even joy!) in reading—even in our digital-first age.

1. Build his Motivation & Self concept (this is important!)

Does reading seem rewarding? Exciting? Interesting? It’s fairly obvious that if you have a better attitude to reading (eg you find it enjoyable) then you will read more often, your comprehension improves and you add to your background knowledge. The opposite would also be true – if reading is a struggle, this leads to a negative attitude and avoidance, and a boy falls further behind his peers.

TIP: For really reluctant readers aim for one session a day, make it brief – no more than 10 minutes. To help keep your son’s attitude upbeat, try to pick a time to practice when he’s least likely to be tired or hungry. A little frustration is normal but don’t give up. Ask, “Great effort, but do you think that we’re done?”

Source: mandarincompanion.com/blog/the-vicious-cycle-of-the-poor-reader

“Reading self-concept is both built by and a contributor to positive reading attitudes and the act of reading.”

(Daniel Willingham, 2015)

This is where reading self-concept can be more important than reading attitudes. If being a reader is part of a boy’s self-concept, it will occur to them to include it more frequently. For eg, “What will I do on that 2 hour car trip? I’ll bring my ipad/phone and listen to music. Oh, I should grab a book too.” Thus, the more you read, the more “reader” becomes cemented as part of a boy’s self-concept.

You might say, “But isn’t this just pressuring a boy to read? I think that I should just back off.” Beware, this is not the solution. You don’t want your son to opt out, even if reading does not come easily. Your son will have talents/skills that come easily to him (eg a certain sport, public speaking, confidence to catch the bus on his own) but he will have things that challenge him. It’s normal that some things come easier to others. Try saying, “Yes I can see that this is difficult for you. But I’m impressed at how hard you’re working at it.”

2. Model Reading Daily

This is my strongest advice to parents – especially dads and male carers. When boys see parents reading for enjoyment—whether it’s novels, newspapers, magazines—they learn that reading is a valuable and enjoyable part of life. Bonus points for NOT reading on your phone – actual paper copies communicate that you’re reading. Really not a reader? That’s ok – even letting your kids know that you’re listening to a book is a positive. Share with them what you’re reading.

3. Connect Reading to his Interests

Link books and articles to hobbies he already loves. If he’s into soccer, grab a biography of his favorite player. If he’s fascinated by animals, find adventure stories set in the wild. Relevance makes reading irresistible. We’ve had parents share with us that completing the topic The Bermuda Triangle in LFB, encouraged an interest in the mysterious, which prompted a visit to the library to borrow books.

4. Keep it Short and Consistent

Encourage small, regular reading bursts instead of long sessions. Even 10–15 minutes a day can build fluency and confidence without feeling like a chore.

5. Leverage What’s Popular

Boys are far more motivated to read when the material connects to their current passions—whether that’s sport, gaming, superheroes, science, or even funny memes. Instead of pushing books you think they should read, lean into what they want to read. Graphic novels, sports biographies, game guides, and adventure series can all serve as powerful stepping stones into literacy. Once they discover that reading can fuel their interests, they’re far more likely to build confidence, stamina, and enjoyment—and eventually branch out into a wider range of texts.

It’s why our program contains texts around: PS vs X-box, Reviewing a Video Game, Pros and Cons of Sports drinks, Science experiments – we’ve designed short texts to hook boys’ interests and build their reading stamina.

You don’t need to be a superhero to help your son to enjoy reading

In the digital age, reading doesn’t have to compete with technology—it can exist alongside it. By offering choice, making it relevant, and creating a reading-friendly environment at home, routines (even 10 minutes a day) and valuing reading as a self-concept to ensure that your boy is reading widely and consistently in this digital age.