Melton children’s author Shev Kelly wants to inspire kids to switch off their devices and head outdoors.
Kelly, a mum-of-two, has written a book, The Day my Tablet Broke, with the help of her friend, Kurt Anniss, which includes games and activities the while family can do together.
The book follows the story of a boy named Hendrix who felt like his day was ruined because his tablet broke.
“It’s all about inspiring kids to get off technology and think outside the square,” she said.
“I remember when I was a kid, we used to go out on our rollerblades, our skateboards, and have the best time.
“We would come home when the streetlights turned on, and I really think that’s missing these days.
“I’ve just started to realise that kids are getting really addicted to technology in a very unhealthy way.
“I really wanted to show my kids, and hopefully share with other children, that you don’t have to be on technology to have fun.”
On Monday, January 16, Kelly received the first copy of her book, and opened the package with her kids.
“It was such a beautiful experience to share with my child,” she said.
“We’ve been reading the books to my kids and even taking the books to my kids’ day care.”
Kelly said the book is not just for children, but also to inspire parents to help their kids minimise screen time.
“In this day and age, kids have so many mental concerns, and I think it’s the parents’ job to really help their kids and inspire the kids to do things together that aren’t sitting still in the lounge room or a bedroom looking at a screen for four to five hours,“ she said.
Faith Macale
