New research underscores the mental health benefits of casual reading amid declining enjoyment among children

A recent study from the University of Cambridge links reading for pleasure with improved well-being, stronger empathy, and reduced stress across all ages, amid a concerning drop in recreational reading among US children.

A new review suggests that reading for pleasure is linked to better well-being, lower stress and stronger empathy, reinforcing the idea that a book can be more than just a pastime. The research, published in Psychological Medicine and led by Barbara Sahakian at the University of Cambridge, found benefits across age groups, from children building cognitive skills to adults reporting gains in mental health and social connection. According to the Cambridge researchers, even modest reading habits can make a difference.

The study adds to earlier work from the same team showing that children who read for fun tend to do better in areas such as memory, concentration and problem-solving. Christelle Langley of the University of Cambridge told the BBC that children and young people should be encouraged to read as early as possible, while Sahakian said it is never too late to start and that the habit can remain valuable well into older age.

The findings land at a time when children in the United States appear to be reading for enjoyment less often. Data from the Nation’s Report Card show that 37% of nine-year-olds said in 2025 that they read for fun almost every day, down from 42% in 2020 and 53% in 1984. Among 13-year-olds, the figure was 14% last year, compared with 17% in 2020 and 35% in 1984. Another federal survey found that more than half of 12- to 17-year-olds spend at least four hours a day online, suggesting a possible shift in how young people use their time.

The researchers said the benefits are not limited to traditional books. Graphic novels, magazines and comics can also help, particularly when children are drawn to subjects that match their interests. The review also pointed to adult studies linking regular reading with reduced loneliness, stronger social ties and slower cognitive decline. Some evidence cited in the Cambridge paper suggests that even 30 minutes a week can improve how people understand others’ feelings, and may even prompt positive life changes, such as leaving an unhealthy relationship or looking for a new job.