Sally, the reading ambassador: This is how she fights against the smartphone trap!

Sally, the reading ambassador: This is how she fights against the smartphone trap!

Influencer Sally, who has over two million followers on YouTube, is not only a prominent figure in the digital world, but also a passionate reading ambassador for the Reading Foundation. In a recent interview, she emphasizes the central role of reading in children's development. Sally is a self-made businesswoman with over 80 employees and doesn't let her success stop her from motivating her children to read.

The importance of books is demonstrated by Sally herself. She reads regularly, including with her daughters, and has noticed how important it is to introduce children to the world of books at an early age. She also talks about the challenges that arise from the influence of smartphones and social media. These devices are ubiquitous these days and make it more difficult to encourage children to read. Sally explains that reading not only encourages imagination but can also reduce stress.

Challenges of reading

The fact that children today spend a lot of time on platforms like TikTok and Instagram is causing increasing concern about the negative influences of social media on their development. According to focused.swiss, many young people are spending more and more time online, which can lead to unhealthy eating habits and reduced interest in reading. The role of parents becomes particularly important here, as they must offer their children support and guidance.

Parents often need more advice on how to use these new technologies. Larissa Hauser, an expert in media psychology, emphasizes that critical thinking and conscious engagement with media content are crucial before children receive a smartphone. Training for parents regarding media use is therefore essential.

Reading vs. fast food

In addition, teaching content and leisure activities often compete with the rapidly growing fast food culture. According to Wikipedia, the fast food industry is a huge market specializing in quick meals and quick service. The availability of quick food has influenced not only the eating habits of adults but also those of children. The risk of this affecting children's reading and learning time is high.

Excessive consumption of fast food is linked to health risks such as obesity and depression, which in turn can negatively affect children's development and learning ability. Sally tries to give her children a healthy balance between digital consumption and traditional reading by regularly spending time with them and incorporating reading activities into their daily lives.

To encourage children to read, she recommends, among other things, the book “The School of Magical Animals,” which is particularly suitable for young readers. It's one of her strategies for inspiring enthusiasm for books while also being a role model in her own reading habits.

The combination of literary education, proper media use and a balanced diet is crucial to ensuring the healthy development of an entire generation. Sally is committed to ensuring that reading takes a central place in children's lives, even in an increasingly digital world.