Mohamed Ameen Dabhelia – 2018/03/01

World Book is celebrated globally on March 1, described as a day focused on bringing about a change in habit, especially among millennials.

In a time when seven year olds can re-program an iPhone and iPad, but are struggling to read three syllable words, World Book Day acts as a catalyst or a reminder to encourage young kids to get into the habit of reading.

Radio Islam spoke to UK author and editor, Naima Roberts, who told us that introducing and re-introducing books in to people’s lives is always beneficial.

“Just the act of reading, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually can really be rejuvenating; today reminds us of all the amazing books out there, especially living in a world engulfed with video games and smartphones.”

Roberts says the act of reading influences the development of a human being.

“Children who are proficient readers and enjoy reading do better academically; it’s something that is needed for that intellectual stimulation.”

Roberts adds that there has to be a time when the phones are put away, not only for kids but for adults too.

“Sometimes adults are more addicted to their smartphones that kids and the children are simply copying their parents, simply mimicking the behavior that they are seeing with their parents.”

Roberts says that if parents want their kids to have healthy habits, they need to make sure time is carved out in their schedules for healthy activities.