8 Million Teens in Wealthiest Countries Functionally Illiterate: UNICEF Report

According to a recent report by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), approximately 8 million teenagers in the world’s wealthiest countries are functionally illiterate. The report highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s academic performance, mental well-being, and physical health in these nations.

The study revealed that children in affluent countries experienced a significant decline in their educational achievements due to the disruptions caused by the global health crisis. The report, published by UNICEF on Wednesday, underscored the challenges faced by adolescents in accessing quality education and literacy programs.

The findings shed light on the urgent need for enhanced support and resources to address the literacy crisis among teenagers in high-income nations. UNICEF emphasized the importance of prioritizing education and mental health services to ensure the well-being and future prospects of young people around the world.

As the international community continues to navigate the long-term effects of the pandemic on education systems, the UNICEF report serves as a critical call to action to address the growing issue of functional illiteracy among teens in the most prosperous countries globally.