On the Radar: Reading Down Among Children; E-Cigarettes Likely Cause Cancer; What Does ‘NPC’ Mean

Fewer Schoolkids Read for Pleasure

What? The National Center for Education Statistics released a report indicating that kids and teens are reading on their own time at lower rates than ever before. In 2012, 53% of 9-year-olds and 27% of 13-year-olds reported reading for fun every day. In 2025, those numbers had fallen to 37% and 14%, respectively.

So What? Reading is a key component in child development, affecting brain growth, increasing vocabulary and enhancing memory. Other studies found that children who read for pleasure scored higher on tests and had better mental health, too.

Now What? Experts encourage reading to and with your child to instill them with good reading habits. Likewise, parents who model the practice in their own lives are more likely to influence their children to read for pleasure, too.

Vaping Likely Causes Lung and Oral Cancer

What? Researchers at the University of South Wales Sydney concluded that “nicotine-based e-cigarettes are likely to cause cancer of the lungs and oral cavity”—though the number of cancer cases linked to vaping remains unknown.

So What? Vaping is often seen as a safe alternative to smoking, but this is incorrect. Although federal law prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes to anyone under 21, the CDC found that, in 2024, 3.5% of middle schoolers and 7.8% of high schoolers “currently used” vapes.

Now What? Because most e-cigarettes use nicotine, the devices are often addictive—and this study shows that they’re also dangerous. Parents can use these findings to explain to their kids the risks behind e-cigarettes.

NPCs Lack Originality

What? Merriam-Webster updated its slang dictionary to include the term “NPC.” The term originally comes from role-playing games, meant to describe a “Non-Player Character” (or “Non-Playable Character”), who often comes with only a few dialogue options.

So What? The term has gained prominence as an insult, used to describe people who seemingly lack autonomy or critical thinking and instead parrot what others have said. The slang term sheep has been used to describe a similar type of person.

Now What? The term NPC is still commonly used in video games in a non-insulting manner, so don’t be surprised if you hear your child using it while discussing or playing games. But should your kids call you or someone else an NPC, at least you’ll be equipped to address that issue.