After reading an opinion piece in the newspaper about the decline in reading among high school students in Quebec, I felt the need to share my own thoughts on this crucial topic. It is undeniable that today’s youth interact more with social networks and media platforms than with literary works. However, it seems essential to me to recall a fundamental truth: there is only one true way to read.
Real reading means clearing your mind, taking the time to read and reread as needed, having a good vocabulary, and accepting that you don’t always understand things the first time. Reading and understanding are not easy activities; they require deep concentration and reflection. This reality must be at the heart of our efforts to promote reading among young people.
Statistics show that the majority of teenagers use platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram on a daily basis. These digital consumption habits are worrying because they can reduce the attention and engagement needed to read literary works. But that doesn’t mean we should give up on the idea of seeing them engage in more traditional reading. On the contrary, we need to find ways to guide them towards this enriching practice.
Can we expect today’s youth to read literary works with the same enthusiasm as they scroll through TikTok pages? Maybe not in the same way, but it is possible to teach them the importance of deep, thoughtful reading.
Schools must adapt to the new digital realities of young people while instilling in them the values of traditional reading. It is not simply about reading, but about understanding, analyzing, and appreciating the richness of literary texts.
Teachers, parents, and mentors play a crucial role as cultural intermediaries. This summer, I propose a challenge: recommend to a young person a novel that has had an impact on you and explain why. Or, ask them to read the biography of a person who inspires them. Then, ask them why this person is important to them. By sharing your experiences and showing the importance of reading, you can help young people discover the pleasure and value of literature.
In conclusion, although reading habits have evolved with the advent of new technologies, it is essential to remember that real reading requires time, patience and concentration. I am convinced that by adapting our teaching methods and sharing our experiences, we can encourage a renaissance of literary reading among young people.