Turning on the subtitles while children are watching television can double the chances of a child becoming good at reading†. It’s so brilliantly simple and can help children’s literacy so much that we want to shout it from the rooftops!

There’s extensive global research that shows just how effective this is and with the help of our wonderful partners – including charities, companies and famous ambassadors – it’s our mission to share the results in this simple message.

So now, along with our friends at a number of leading charities and universities, we’re encouraging broadcasters, policymakers and parents to Turn on the Subtitles.

We need your help too. Please share this message with anyone you know who has children or works with children – this quick, free tip can help make TV time, reading time.

 

†Based on an academic study of 2,350 children, 34% became good readers with schooling alone. But when exposed to 30 minutes a week of subtitled film songs, that proportion more than doubled to 70%. There are lots of studies about the benefits of subtitles. This is just one! Check out our research page to find out more.

Sir Lenny Henry

Just turn on the subtitles. Extraordinary. Research has shown they can double the chances of a child becoming good at reading

Sandi Toksvig

I love the Turn On The Subtitles campaign. It's stunningly simple, free & yet so powerful...We're reaching out to all parents and schools to spread this simple message and help our nation's children to improve their literacy

Sanjeev Bhaskar

Turn on the subtitles and let the magic begin!

Stephen Fry

Top scientists have proven that turning on subtitles of TV programmes can double the chances of a child becoming good at reading.

Rachel Riley

Do it right now. Turn on the subtitles!

Bill Clinton

Same Language Subtitling doubles the number of functional readers among primary school children. A small thing that has a staggering impact on people’s lives.

Boris Johnson

I think that the campaign is excellent...all the departments that have a stake in this will be working with her (Julie Marson MP) to see what we can do

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