Finnish author Leena Lehtolainen suggests banning books for under-18s as a drastic measure to address the decline in reading among youth, which city officials recognize as a critical societal issue.
In response to declining literacy rates among all age groups, particularly children and teenagers, the city of Helsinki is taking action to combat the issue. Reetta Vanhanen, Helsinki's Deputy Mayor for Education and Training, emphasizes that national trends are reflected locally, with research indicating that two-thirds of 15-year-old boys read only when necessary. Vanhanen views literacy as a fundamental societal issue central to democracy, asserting that reading fosters independent thought and opinion formation, skills necessary for informed citizenship.
Vanhanen further elaborates on the importance of reading and literacy as essential tools for cognitive development and effective communication. Literacy is not merely a cultural concern but a requisite skill for navigating both professional life and daily interactions. Reflecting on these realities, Leena Lehtolainen, who is marking her 50th year as a writer, shares her perspective on the troubling trends in reading habits. Lehtolainen warns that inadequate reading skills extend beyond culture, highlighting language as a vital medium for communication and expression.
The proposed drastic measure of banning books for minors, advocated by Lehtolainen, ignites a conversation about the responsibilities involved in fostering reading habits among the youth. It raises questions about accessibility, education, and the societal implications of such a ban, focusing attention on the need for strategic interventions to encourage a culture of reading rather than punitive restrictions.
