How Book Bans Are Impacting Teachers and Students: Insights from First Book Research & Insights

The findings revealed a troubling trend: conversations surrounding book bans have had a far-reaching impact on educators’ ability to teach effectively.

Key Findings:

• •71percentsaid that book banning undermines their expertise as educators.
• •40percentnoted that book bans contribute to a sense of erasing people and history.
• •36percentexpressed that book bans discourage critical thinking.

• •Of these educators:

• •65percent of educatorsreported that the conversations related to book bans are negatively impacting their ability to teach.

Educators in communities directly experiencing book bans reported even greater negative impacts, with percentages10 percent higheracross these categories.

Our survey also asked educators about changes they have observed in their students’ engagement and learning as a result of restricted access to books. The data underscores the critical importance of providing students with access to diverse, high-quality reading materials.

Key Findings:

• •81percent of educatorssaid that conversations around banned books and restrictions to book access harm students.
• •78percentsaid students read more when they have the freedom to choose what they want to read—including access to banned books.
• •72 percentnoted that when students’ access to books is restricted, theirreading engagement declines.

These results demonstrate that limiting access to books not only impacts reading engagement but also stifles curiosity and a love of learning among students.

At the heart of this debate is whether a small group of individuals has the right to dictate what other people’s children are allowed to read – and to impose their restrictions on the rest of the nation. The evidence is clear—book bans are not only affecting educators’ ability to teach, but they are also hurting student engagement and learning outcomes.

To prepare the next generation with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, we mustincrease access to books—not restrict it. Ensuring that all children have access to diverse, high-quality books is essential for building a strong foundation for lifelong learning and opportunity.

Every child deserves the freedom to explore books that inspire them, challenge them, and help them see the world—and themselves—in new ways. At First Book, we remain committed to supporting educators, empowering students, and championing access to books for all children.

Educators can joinFirst Book’s Network— the largest and fastest growing network of individual educators, professionals, and volunteers serving children in need across the United States and Canada — to bring these resources and many more to your classroom or program.

This article was originally published onUnite Against Books Bans.