The Rise of Illiteracy

In a world increasingly driven by information, the ability to read and write is more than just a basic skill—it's a lifeline. Yet, alarmingly, illiteracy among children is on the rise globally, even in many developed nations. This troubling trend is not just an educational issue; it is a societal crisis that must be urgently addressed by adults across all layers of society.

The Growing Problem

According to recent UNESCO data, more than 770 million people worldwide are illiterate, and a significant proportion of these are children or adolescents. While school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted learning, the roots of this issue run far deeper. Underfunded education systems, lack of access to quality teaching, digital distractions, have long contributed to declining literacy levels.

This blog was inspired by a recent news article reporting that GPs in the UK are now seeing more and more adults who struggle with reading and writing—an issue that is now affecting their ability to access healthcare. This is deeply concerning. Adults who cannot read or write were once children who fell through the cracks. Many were labelled as “disruptive,” “disinterested,” or “too far gone.” They were passed over by the very people who were supposed to help—teachers, caregivers, school systems, and even their communities.

We must not lower our standards or adjust entire societal systems to cater to this growing problem. Simplifying documents or lowering academic expectations might feel compassionate in the short term, but it is not a solution. It is merely skimming over a much deeper issue. We need to do better for children—so they grow into adults who can read and write.

Why Adults Must Take Responsibility

Illiteracy in childhood is not just a personal struggle—it’s a failure of the environment that surrounded that child. And it is time for us to take that responsibility seriously.

Imagine how many adults today were once children dismissed as "difficult," "unmotivated," or "unreachable." How many of them were written off by those around them—because they were too disruptive in class, came from chaotic or neglectful homes, or simply didn’t learn in conventional ways?

It is not the job of a child to pull themselves out of illiteracy—it is the job of every adult around them to make sure they never fall into it in the first place.

Parents, teachers, nannies, babysitters, family members—even strangers—we all share this responsibility. Never miss an opportunity to get a child reading or writing. Whether it’s reading a street sign, writing a birthday card, making up stories, or helping with homework, these small moments add up. Literacy is built through repetition, exposure, and care.

Why This Matters

1. Education is a Right, Not a Privilege
   Literacy is foundational. When children are denied the tools to read and write, we deny them a future.

2. Illiteracy Ripples into Every Part of Life
   Adults who can't read struggle with healthcare, finances, employment, and social participation. These lifelong challenges often begin with a lack of support in childhood.

3. We Cannot Lower the Bar
   Saying things like “some kids just aren’t academic” or “they’re just slower learners” can be harmful. It may feel kind, but in reality, it places limits on a child's potential. Encouragement, high expectations, and consistent support are acts of true compassion.

4. Children Need Challenge, Not Coddling
   Children thrive when they are believed in. We must challenge them—not to frustrate them, but to show them what they’re capable of.

What Needs to Change?

To reverse this growing crisis, we must be bold and proactive:

• Invest in Early Literacy Programs
  The earlier we act, the greater the lifelong impact.

• Equip Teachers and Schools
  Provide the training, tools, and respect educators need to reach every student.

• Empower Families and Caregivers
  Reading and writing must be embedded in daily home life, not just classrooms.

• Reject Systemic Appeasement
  Instead of redesigning systems to accommodate illiteracy, we must fix its root causes.

• Treat Every Child as Teachable
  No child should be left behind. With the right support, all children can learn to read and write well.

Final Thoughts

Rising illiteracy in children is not just an educational issue—it is a reflection of how we, as a society, are failing to nurture and invest in our youngest members. Adults who cannot read or write today were not “lost causes”—they were children overlooked, underestimated, and underserved.

We owe it to the next generation to do better. We don’t need to lower expectations—we need to raise our standards, our efforts, and our belief in every child’s potential. Literacy is power. Let’s make sure every child has it.

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or topics you would like us to discuss in future blogs please do send an email to nannyemmyquestions@gmail.com