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During a panel discussion titled “Juggling Between Books and Screens: How Can We Restore Balance in Child Rearing?”, speakers explored practical ways to encourage curiosity and support mental development in a digital age filled with distractions.
Dr Muawiya Al-Aliwi, paediatrician and author of several books on child health, explained that excessive screen time overstimulates dopamine levels, reducing a child’s ability to concentrate and think creatively.
“When a child spends hours in front of the screen watching short, colourful clips, it triggers the happiness hormone dopamine, which lowers concentration and imagination,” he said. “If you introduce the child to other activities, they can focus better.” He advised parents to incorporate reading-related activities into daily routines, such as reading aloud, discussing stories, and encouraging creative writing.
“Give them paper and a pen to write what they learned from the story,” he suggested. “A child who reads from an early age develops a vocabulary of over a million words and faces life with greater confidence.”
Children’s author Noor Arab reflected on how technology has transformed young people’s reading habits but emphasised that books still play a vital role in fostering creativity and emotional tranquillity.
“In the age of e-books and the internet, children’s tastes have evolved,” she said. “Technology places the world at their fingertips, but only genuine reading, not screens, can provide them with the sense of calm before sleep.” She encouraged parents to set an example with reading habits and foster a home environment that values books.
Some families tell me their children don’t enjoy reading, but when parents value books, it transforms the child’s attitude,” she observed. “Nothing can replace a book. It gives them the power of imagination and creativity.” Arab predicted that while reading formats might evolve to include digital and augmented elements, the essence of reading will remain a timeless foundation for creativity and learning.
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) under the theme “Between You and a Book,” SIBF 2025 runs until 16 November at Expo Centre Sharjah. The 12-day event features over 300 cultural sessions, 158 Arab and international guests, 750 workshops in Arabic and English covering writing, publishing, and creativity, and 85 stage performances from 12 countries — reaffirming Sharjah’s enduring mission to promote reading as a cornerstone of cultural connection and lifelong learning.
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