Reading helps children face difficult future

https://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/355657-reading-helps-children-face-difficult-future.html

By sunlive

Reading for pleasure can do more than entertain—it helps kids develop resilience and emotional wellbeing. A study from AUT in New Zealand found that children who grew up reading or being read to reported better health and connectedness during the challenges of pandemic lockdowns. Reading early fosters bonding, critical thinking, and cultural understanding, but the study also revealed inequalities. Kids in wealthier homes or from certain ethnicities often had more access to reading resources, highlighting the importance of public libraries and inclusive materials.

During lockdowns, young readers said books provided them with imaginary friends and relatable experiences, offering comfort when real-life connections were limited. These benefits don’t just fade; reading helps teens navigate challenges and fosters social skills, better school performance, and healthier life choices. For society, the ripple effects are vast—readers are more likely to engage in volunteering, voting, and informed decision-making. Simply put, reading for pleasure is a gift that keeps on giving.