According to the report of the Module on Reading (MOLEC) 2023 According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), only 71.6% of Mexicans read at least one book in the last year. Among young people aged 18 to 24, this figure is even lower, reflecting the difficulty in developing a reading habit in a generation more inclined to digital content. A figure that makes us reflect because without critical reading habits, young people could be exposed to the negative impacts of misinformation in any environment.
The above is important because family reading offers more than just entertainment. A study of the Children’s Bureau In 2023, he found that children who read alongside their parents develop a greater ability to differentiate between facts and opinions, an essential skill in the era of fake news (fake news). Furthermore, according to Inegi’s MOLEC, young people prefer to consume quick content on social networks, which largely replaces more in-depth reading. Although this is not necessarily negative, if they are not taught to question this content, they run the risk of absorbing information without thinking critically.
In this context, mothers, fathers and guardians play a fundamental role. If a child grows up in a home where reading is part of everyday life, he or she is more likely to become an active reader. The key is to share edifying and truthful readings as a family. This not only fosters a love of reading, but also gives young people tools to face a world plagued by technological tools, which, unfortunately, are often used to deceive.
Also, the National Literacy Trust says that children who read with their parents not only perform better in school, but are more likely to question what they see on social media. This is vital in an age where information overload can lead to confusion. According to the American Academy of Pediatricsreading together improves their self-esteem and gives them the tools necessary to form their own voice, a crucial skill in a world where different versions of reality compete for our attention.
