On World Book Day, the Universal Reading Foundation (FPC) is demonstrating how reading to children supports their mental health. It's like a protective helmet for developing minds, a seat belt for relationships, and a life jacket for emotions. The FPC is launching a fundraiser for a program that incorporates book recommendations into preventative health care for children from the first months of life.
Children's mental health crisis
Poland is grappling with a mental health crisis among its youngest children. According to data from the National Police Headquarters, the number of suicide attempts among children remains high.,
and the number of suicides in 2025 increased by 21% compared to 2024. Only 6 out of 10 children and adolescents perceive their lives as happy[1]. As many as 60% teenagers live in a state of chronic stress and exhaustion, 46 % have extremely low self-esteem[2]. Experts point to digital overload, a lack of emotional regulation tools, and weakened bonds as the main causes of this phenomenon.
The answer may be a tool available in every home – a book. emphasizes Maria Deskur, president of the Universal Reading Foundation – Reading is like a safety helmet for a developing mind, a seat belt for relationships, and a life jacket for emotions. That's why we run the Prescription Books program, which helps protect the mental health of young children. Independent scientific studies confirm that regularly reading and talking with children reduces stress levels, builds mental resilience, supports emotional development and reduces the damage caused by screens.
Prescription Book Program – how does it work?
As part of the flagship program of the Universal Reading Foundation – Prescription Books, pediatricians recommend that parents read to their children from the first few months of life, alongside physical activity and a healthy diet. Nearly 400 medical facilities across Poland have already joined the initiative. It is estimated that up to 30,000 children under the age of two could benefit annually.
However, there are many more children who need mental resilience, and introducing reading to a child in the first months of life is crucial for their resilience. Specific resources are needed to scale up the program.
The cost of including one clinic in the program is approximately PLN 1,650 and includes training for medical staff, printing and shipping book packages for young patients, and educational materials for parents. Over 100 doctors are able to reach 10,000 children and their parents a year - How explains Aleksandra Chaberska, coordinator of the Prescription Book program.
The Foundation pays particular attention to communities at risk of reading exclusion. As President Maria Deskur points out, adults who weren't read to as children are less likely to reach for books for their own children – the Prescription Books program helps break this cycle.
The collection lasts until mid-June
The Foundation is appealing for donor support. The needs are much greater than the program's current capabilities – the goal of the fundraiser is to reach more facilities and families, especially
in places where access to reading culture is limited.
Each PLN 18.50 = support for one child.
Details of the action are available at: fpc.org.pl/ksiazka-chroni
[1] Data from the regulatory report “Improving the mental health of children and adolescents in Poland” by Rymarz Zdort Maruta Law Firm, which was prepared in cooperation with UNICEF (2024)
[2] Data from the Ministry of National Education Report – Youth Diagnosis 2026