By Charlotte Webster-
Regular reading can help lower stress levels, helping students unwind and feel calmer after a busy day.
raising their focus and concentration level, academics at the reputable Bulmershe secondary school say. Young people who struggle to focus on their education due to mental health issues, will do well to read more often and appreciate its wider value.
The motivated secondary school is celebrating strong academic success in the latest government tables, thanks to a strong level of teacher support, and inspirational training in the area of personal development. In an age of digital distractions, regular reading strengthens attention span and improves focus, and also encourages Mindfulness .
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A spokesperson for the school told The Eye Of Media.Com: ”One of the benefits of reading is that it allows students to be present in the moment, much like mindfulness techniques.
” Students in this school are encouraged to explore different perspectives, develop empathy, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. A lifestyle of wide and varied reading is very useful in helping struggling students do much better in their academics.
‘Many students have a range of issues in their private life that leads to mental health issues, but reading can help them manage those problems better.
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‘Bulmershe school actively encourage students to read for pleasure. Our well-stocked library, engaging reading initiatives, and dedicated English team all help to foster a love of reading. Whether students enjoy novels, graphic novels, or non-fiction, we support them in finding books that spark their imagination and inspire them.
”A good story can be captivating and time disappears as you become absorbed. When you reach the end, you feel sad because it is over, or you are eager to get the next book in the series. It is a wonderful feeling and choosing to read a book can provide a number of other benefits.
”Reading can also provide worthwhile escapism from the real world. Research shows that escapism can be transformative and influence the way in which people interact with the world.
It also improves one’s level of empathy, the ability for you to understand someone else’s belief’s, feelings and thoughts. Research has shown that people exposed to fiction predicted the results of an empathy task and even positively correlated with social support. Further research into the impact of fiction on empathy showed that it was temporarily enhanced after reading fiction.
‘Moreover, engaging in cognitive activities, such as reading over your life time (both early and later in life) was shown to slow down memory loss when compared to those who didn’t participate in mentally stimulating activities.
The same study also found that the rate of mental decline was reduced by 32%when people participated in reading, writing and other activities later on in life. While those with infrequent stimulating activity found that their decline was 48% faster than those with average activity.
Scientific research shows that reading and then talking about what you have read could be beneficial to mental health and well-being. There is something called bibliotherapy and it has a profound effect on people suffering with depression.
Reading helps teenagers develop insights into being an adult. Research has shown that reading for pleasure in teenagers has three key benefits, reading was shown to enhance academic performance, social engagement and personal development. Fiction helped teens by providing significant insights into mature relationships, personal values and cultural identity all of which are important in the transition from being a child to becoming an adult.
People can often feel smarter after reading books. They learn new things, experience different cultures, understand themselves better and research has shown that reading does in fact make us smarter. Cognitive differences have been seen between those who read a lot and those who read a little. People who are exposed to more written information are associated with higher vocabulary, general knowledge, and verbal skills.
The encouragement to read comes as nearly half of all young people report that their personal mental health directly impacts their mental health affecting education attendance at either school or college, according to a concerning new report published by the charity Mind.
Abdirizak Mohamed struggled with his mental health at school. Pic: Sky News
This widespread difficulty underscores the significant struggles experienced by the post-lockdown generation. The data shows 48% of 18-year-olds—the cohort most deeply impacted by COVID-19—are struggling, alongside 45% of 22-year-olds. The report highlights a generational challenge where psychological distress translates into tangible barriers to learning and social engagement.
Abdirizak Mohamed, 23, shared his personal journey with Sky News, detailing the severe mental health issues he faced while attending school. He recalled the overwhelming emotional numbness: “I think the only thing I remember was a very low mood, and every time I woke up I felt I didn’t want to see anyone.”
Abdirizak described how his internal struggle prevented him from showing his usual outward happiness. “I couldn’t show people my smile,” he admitted. He learned the critical importance of speaking out, observing, “As a young person, if you keep everything to yourself, you harm yourself, and that’s also one of the biggest things that can destroy you.” He cautioned others, “You put pressure on yourself. I used to do that as well,” urging honesty and self-care. Successfully managing the high volume of students whose mental health affecting education attendance is now critical and requires immediate and accessible resources.
The ongoing surge in cases means the need for support far outstrips existing resources, creating a crisis marked by agonising waiting times. Waiting lists for both GP appointments and dedicated children and adult mental health services (CAMHS) currently stretch up to two years.
This extensive delay is devastating when a child or young person is suffering intensely. Maria Slevin, representing No Limits, a charity offering prevention, early intervention, and crisis support, confirmed to Sky News that her organisation has witnessed a stark increase in young people seeking their services since the pandemic began. She explained the severity of the presenting issues.
Maria Slevin says more young people are using No Limit’s services since the pandemic. Pic: Sky News
“We see young people who can’t engage in school, maybe they’re having trouble socialising, and are suffering from anxiety, or self-harm,” Slevin stated. She added that young people are increasingly experiencing “suicidal ideation,” noting, “All these conditions have increased.” While the government announced plans in July to launch eight “Young Futures Hubs” this year to help teenagers at risk, with 50 intended to be rolled out by 2029, Mind’s report points out that specific locations for these hubs are yet to be confirmed.
The delayed rollout means that the immediate strain caused by mental health affecting education attendance continues to fall heavily on existing, overwhelmed services. Slevin and other professionals emphasise that immediate help is now absolutely imperative for the most vulnerable young people.
Providing immediate help is seen as absolutely critical in preventing the further deterioration of a young person’s mental health. Charities like No Limits offer a crucial walk-in service, eliminating the need for a referral from a GP or other medical professional, meaning a child or young person doesn’t even need an appointment.
Ms Slevin pointed out the immense value of bypassing bureaucratic hurdles. “Normally, young people would go via their GP and then possibly end up on one of the waiting lists, and we know that waiting lists are really long and are increasing,” she explained. She strongly argued, “Having to wait for support is only going to exacerbate their mental health issues, so being able to access support immediately is imperative.” Abdirizak, who found No Limits through his college, echoed this positive experience.
Abdirizak is doing better after support from the No Limits charity. Pic: Sky News
He encouraged others to seek help, emphasising the power of having someone listen. “They will help you because they listen, and they’re going to give you a voice, which is very helpful,” he said. He provided a simple but profound final piece of advice: “It takes one step. Don’t keep it to yourself because it will destroy you.” Minesh Patel, associate director of policy and influencing at Mind, stressed that hubs like No Limits are vital because they assist in a truly time-sensitive way.
Patel believes that removing the referral requirement is crucial because it helps “break down the stigma around mental health by not having to go through your GP or through a healthcare professional.” He stated grimly, “We’ve got half a million people on waiting lists. Almost a third of them have been waiting two years, and that can just lead to somebody’s health deteriorating.”
Patel concluded that early support hubs offer an “incredible example of support that intervenes early” to stop the cycle of mental health affecting education attendance and overall wellbeing. Individuals struggling emotionally or having suicidal thoughts should call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK, or call Mind’s support line on 0300 102 1234, or the NHS on 111. You can find more information about localised support options through Mind’s Local Services Finder.
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