The Benefits of Hobbies for Kids: Improved Test Taking and Mental Health

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge and Fudan University suggests that children who read for pleasure for at least 12 hours per week perform better on cognitive tests, have better mental health, and exhibit improved brain structure. The study analyzed data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, comparing those who started reading for pleasure between ages two and nine to those who started later or not at all. Children who read for pleasure showed better verbal learning, memory, speech development, academic achievement, and mental well-being, while also spending less time on screens and getting more sleep. However, exceeding 12 hours of reading per week was associated with a decrease in cognition, possibly due to excessive sedentary time.