Sweden is facing a significant literacy crisis, with reading and writing skills declining more sharply than in many comparable countries.

This trend is part of a broader European issue, exacerbated by the increasing use of digital technology from an early age.

Despite the digital immersion, Swedish students show significant deficiencies in IT skills, impacting their ability to critically evaluate digital sources.

The crisis is evident across all educational levels, from preschool to university, with many students unable to engage with traditional texts.

This decline in literacy is attributed to a combination of factors, including the introduction of digital devices in early education and a market-driven school system that has led to grade inflation.

The situation is dire, with more than 20% of students leaving school without basic literacy skills, and only a small percentage of teenagers reading regularly.

Efforts are underway to address the issue, with new educational policies and budget allocations aimed at enhancing reading skills and educational quality.