A new study found that Florida students are struggling to keep up in reading, with the state ranking among the bottom ten for eighth-grade literacy. The findings raise concerns about the growing number of so-called “iPad Kids.”
The term “iPad kids” refers to students who struggle with reading and math skills with becoming increasingly dependent on digital devices. The report warns that these trends may contribute to long-term literacy and learning challenges nationwide.
According to research by CustomWritings, Florida ranks eighth worst in the nation for reading, with an average eight-grade score of 252.86, or 1.5% below the national average. The data, sourced from the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), compared student reading and math levels across all 50 U.S. states.
Florida also shows the lowest improvement rate in the country for reading development between fourth and eight grade – just 15.9%, compared to other states that see gains above 20%. The same trend appears in math, where Florida also recorded the smallest growth rate nationally.
Despite years of education reform and early literacy initiatives, the results suggest that many Florida students are falling behind as they enter middle school.
“States with consistently low scores are producing generations of students who struggle with fundamental reading skills and may rely too heavily on technology as a crutch rather than a tool,” said Patric Johnson, head of CustomWritings Writing Center.
The study connects this decline in reading proficiency to a reliance on digital devices and limited focus on foundational literacy skills. While technology can enhance learning, researchers caution that excessive screen time may contribute to shorter attention spans and reduced reading engagement.
In contrast, Massachusetts leads the country, with reading scores 4.4% above the national average, while New Mexico ranks last, 4.5% below. Florida’s placement puts it closer to states long known for struggling education systems, such as Alabama and West Virginia.
Experts warn that Florida’s declining reading performance could have long-term implications for the state’s workforce and economy if the current trends continue.
Full results and state rankings are available here.