Sharjah: At the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2024), author Tasnim Omram highlighted the importance of educating children about the risks of excessive screen time before allowing them access to social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Omram, speaking to attendees aged 10 to 13, promoted the value of real-life experiences over digital engagement while acknowledging technology's benefits.
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She advised parents to evaluate their child's maturity before granting social media access, emphasizing the need to understand both the internet's opportunities and risks.
As a mother of three, Omram disclosed that her children do not have smartphones but use iPads for educational purposes with limited leisure time. She emphasized the importance of parents guiding their children effectively in technology use.
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The discussion at SCRF 2024 reflects ongoing concerns about screen time among Generation Alpha, born between 2010 and 2024. Omram stressed that it's not just the quantity of screen time but also its quality that matters.
The 15th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival features a diverse range of sessions and activities catering to all ages, addressing critical topics like digital literacy and responsible technology use.