In 2016 researchers working for The Book People and asked 1000 parents if they like to read scary stories to their children. This is what they found:
78%
of parents (that’s almost 8 out of 10 parents) said that baddies helped children tell the difference between good and evil.
53%
(just over half) that they helped children “learn to cope with difficult situations”
48%
(just under half) that they help conquer fears.
“Children are often being wrapped up in cotton wool,”
says child psychologist Emma Kenny. She believes that scary stories are quite useful for children to learn about life.
“Risk and fear are something we need in childhood. We know that people who take risks, in the long term, do better than those who don’t … And how can you feel safe and secure until you know what it’s like to be afraid? Anything that gives you a wide range of emotions in a safe and controlled environment is great.”