Have you ever stopped to think about how deeply technology affects young children?
How tablets, smartphones, and glowing screens have become constant companions in their daily lives—often from their earliest years?
Issachar, known to everyone as Issy, decided to personally take on one of the most pressing challenges of our time: screen addiction among children.
“My project was born from a personal observation,” Issachar explains. “I saw how easy it is for kids to fall into the habit of spending hours in front of a screen, missing out on precious opportunities to explore, imagine, and create.” That’s how the idea came to life—to create a book aimed at children aged 6 to 9, a delicate age when the brain is still developing and every experience helps shape the person they will become.
But Issachar’s book doesn’t simply “tell” kids to turn off their devices. He wanted to offer a real alternative, crafting a captivating story that encourages reflection and gently guides young readers toward making mindful choices. The protagonist of the story is an ordinary child, drawn to screens but curious about the world around him. Page by page, he discovers the joy of reading, playing outside, and spending quality time with friends and family.
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Creating the book was a real challenge. “Getting the final product printed felt like a small miracle,” Issy admits with a smile. “I managed to get a paper copy at the very last minute, but the moment I held it in my hands, I felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.” Carefully designed and written with great attention to language and visuals, the book represents the result of months of work, thought, and creativity.
Striking the right balance between educational message and engaging storytelling wasn’t easy. Issachar dedicated a lot of time to learning how to speak to children in a way that was effective, without being moralistic or disconnected. The result is a book that doesn’t lecture, but leads; it doesn’t judge, but inspires.
Throughout the journey, Issachar received valuable support from his mentor teacher, who helped him structure the project, refine the story, and polish the design. But the most important driving force was his personal motivation: “I wanted to create something that could really make a difference for other kids,” he explains.
Issachar, MYP Student
“Even if just one child, after reading my book, decides to put down the tablet and pick up a story instead… then I’ll know I’ve achieved my goal.”
Issachar’s project is more than just a critique of screen overuse—it’s a message of hope: children hold enormous potential, and with the right tools, they can develop imagination, empathy, and critical thinking. Sometimes, all it takes is a book—crafted with care and passion—to change the way they see the world.
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