New Study Reveals Boys Abandon Reading During School Closures While Girls Maintain Literacy Habits

University of Copenhagen research shows boys lose literacy ground during holidays and lockdowns, while girls maintain their reading habits independently.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 11:51 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from University of Copenhagen

The Vanishing Structure of Masculine Literacy

The academic gap between boys and girls is not a static phenomenon; it expands and contracts based on the presence of a structured school environment. According to a new study from the University of Copenhagen, boys are significantly more likely to "ditch books" the moment school doors close for holidays or unplanned events like pandemic lockdowns. Sociologist Ea Hoppe Blaabæk, who led the research, indicates that the school system acts as a standardized framework that essentially props up boys' engagement with literature. Without this mandatory structure, boys fall behind at a much faster rate than their female counterparts.

Behavioral Data vs. Self-Reporting

To achieve these findings, researchers analyzed two massive, objective datasets rather than relying on student surveys. They tracked the library loan records of 200,431 pupils in Years 3–5 across Denmark, alongside digital usage data from the reading app BookBites for approximately 25,000 students. This allowed the team to monitor actual behavior in real-time. The data confirmed that while girls generally read more, the disparity spiked during the first two COVID-19 lockdowns. The girls’ sustained interest suggests they possess an internal drive or set of skills that provides a distinct advantage when institutional oversight is removed.

Long-Term Consequences of Reading Inequality

The widening of this gender gap is not merely a seasonal curiosity but a potential threat to long-term educational attainment. Reading is widely recognized as a "key competence" that dictates a student's likelihood of pursuing higher education after compulsory schooling. If boys consistently lose ground during every summer break or period of remote learning, the cumulative effect can result in a permanent disadvantage. The researchers warn that unless schools and parents find ways to replicate structured reading environments at home, the literacy divide will continue to deepen with every unplanned closure.