How reading enhances children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing

At Bookmark, our mission is to spark the joy of reading in every child. We know that, while literacy is a fundamental skill to improve career prospects and life chances, it is also a strong foundation for healthy emotional development and mental wellbeing.

Reading for pleasure in early childhood can help youngsters perform better in school and boost their mental health as they enter their teenage years. A study by the National Literacy Trust found that reading books at home contributed to children and teens feeling happier, more relaxed and more equipped to deal with life problems.

They found ​“children and young people who are the most engaged with literacy have better mental wellbeing than their peers who are the least engaged”. Their report highlights the significant impact that fostering a love for reading can have on the overall wellbeing of young people.

Let’s explore the power of reading for children’s mental wellbeing.

1. Stories build empathy in children

Books help children develop empathy, communication skills, and emotional intelligence. By exploring different characters, cultures, and life experiences through reading, children gain valuable insights into human behaviour and learn to connect with the world around them. These skills are vital for building emotional resilience and social awareness as they grow.

One Bookmark volunteer shared that, over time, her reader began to ​“ask questions and talk about things they’ve read that relate to their families and experiences.” This highlights how literature encourages children to reflect on their own lives, fostering self-awareness and a deeper understanding of others.

2. Books help children understand emotions

Books help children process emotions and feel understood. When children see characters facing challenges or insecurities similar to their own, they often feel validated and reassured. This connection through storytelling reminds them that their feelings are normal – and that they are not alone.

Literature offers a safe and supportive way for children to explore difficult emotions and everyday struggles. For children who have experienced trauma, anxiety, or changes in their family life, reading can provide emotional support, comfort and a sense of safety, that’s essential for mental wellbeing.

3. Reading builds confidence and self-esteem

A sense of achievement is fundamental to children’s emotional wellbeing, serving as a powerful motivator and source of confidence. Many of our volunteers have noticed a huge shift in confidence in their reader as they progress through books, conquer complex texts and absorb new knowledge.

This shows that children who experience success in reading can develop social and emotional competencies and reveals the transformative power of reading on children’s mental wellbeing.

This illustrates that their sense of achievement not only reinforces their love for reading but also boosts self-confidence and motivation for further reading – again, reinforcing the power of reading on children’s mental wellbeing.

4. Reading enhances creativity, escapism and fun

For many children, books provide an escape from the pressures of everyday life. Whether they’re diving into a fantasy world or learning about the depths of the ocean, there’s plenty of books to spark anyone’s imagination and interests.

But, did you know that 1 in 8 children don’t own books at home?

Book ownership is fundamental for children’s mental wellbeing, as it gives them the freedom to relate to characters and explore their own emotions outside of a school environment. We provide packs full of stories, activities and games so that children can continue to enjoy reading in school and at home.

Explore our reading resource packages for children.

Make a difference in a child’s life

At Bookmark, we believe every child should experience the transformative power of reading. If you want to make a difference to a child’s life, discover how to become a reading volunteer.