I wouldn't be surprised if the % the population of young people who read now was higher than it ever has.
Certainly my son's primary & secondary schools encouraged, with success, non-exam reading, and despite TV, video games, increased sports facilities available outside of school, etc..., I'm heartened by the amount of young 'uns who do usually have a book/reader with them at sports events , for example.
Only fairly late into this century was "universal literacy" an aim, and achievement, and although reading to exam purpose is crass, but necessary, a lot go beyond, and stick at it.
More parents now see it's important that their children read, and never forget what competition reading faces in this high-tech era.
You could say it's a miracle we still have any reading for pleasure ......
