In addition, reading improves memory and vocabulary. Neuroscientist Stanislas Dehaene, author of Reading in the Brain, argues that "reading is one of the most complex cognitive achievements in human history," noting that the act of reading activates various areas of the brain, thus improving our cognitive and memory skills (Dehaene, 2009). As teenagers read, they develop greater verbal fluency and a deeper understanding of language, which helps them not only in their academic performance but also in their ability to communicate effectively.
On the other hand, reading also plays a fundamental role in teenagers' emotional development. Psychologist and expert in children's and young adult literature Maria Tatar highlights that "books help young people understand and explore their own emotional world" (Tatar, 2009). By identifying with characters who go through situations similar to their own, teenagers can process their own emotions, which allows them to develop greater empathy and understanding of others.
Another key aspect of reading at this stage is that it fosters the habit of concentration and discipline. The researcher and psychologist Erikson points out that "reading requires the brain to focus on a task for a prolonged period, which contributes to developing sustained attention skills" (Erikson, 1963). This habit, cultivated through reading, has a positive impact on young people's academic performance, since it allows them to better retain and apply the information learned in the classroom.
In light of the above, we can conclude that it is through reading that teenagers can explore different perspectives, expand their vocabulary and improve their communication skills. When facing complex texts, they learn to analyze and understand deeper ideas, which helps them develop advanced cognitive skills. In addition, reading allows young people to access a wide variety of topics and disciplines, from science to literature, enriching their general knowledge and preparing them to make informed decisions in everyday life.
Therefore, it is important that we, as adults, consider reading an essential pillar in the intellectual development of teenagers and focus on its practice, since it not only provides the knowledge needed to face academic and social challenges, but also helps develop key cognitive and emotional skills.
Fostering a love of reading at this stage is a valuable investment for the future, as it contributes to forming critical, informed individuals capable of facing the world with confidence and understanding.
● Dehaene, S. (2009). Reading in the Brain: The Science and Evolution of a Human Invention. Viking.
● Tatar, M. (2009). Enchanted Hunters: The Power of Stories in Childhood. W.W. Norton & Company.
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