Are the Boys Alright?
“My (Gen Z) son doesn’t like to read, he’d rather play video games so I’ve stopped buying him books.”
Sound familiar?
As an author, I’ve been engaging a wide range of people about my new book, having extended my content to boys after initially focusing on girls.
How can we respond to this lack of a reading culture amongst boys effectively? As parents or guardians, are you feeling defeated?
Do we even think it is an issue?
I do….
Reading is about gaining information, sparking curiosity, developing critical thinking and leveraging someone else’s years of experience in exchange for a few hours of your attention.
These are just a few of the benefits, and it is essential in a world that requires continuous learning to be relevant in the workplace and in business.
Should we be gamifying some rewards that incentivise boys to read? Or have family book clubs so you lead by example?
Honestly, I’m worried for boys on two levels:
1) gaming is filling an important social / relational need to bond and achieve but it’s pulling them away from real world connections. The gaming content itself also warrants concern.
2) we’re not thinking ahead to the long term impact of a society that isn’t investing in a reading culture.
I’d love to hear your views on how to respond to this challenge. Reply to this email or leave a comment on my LinkedIn post
Yours in purpose,
Rumbi
Learn | Grow | Connect | Share
Before you go….
I’ll be on-air with Radio 919 tomorrow (Thursday 12 June) at 11:05 CAT.
Our conversation will be inspired by the upcoming Youth Day: an important South African holiday which we celebrate on 16 June. In addition to honouring our past, we must have the conversations that empower our youth to build a bright future. Stream it live from here: https://919.co.za
2. I’ll be at Exclusive Books Fourways Mall on Saturday 14 June at 12:00 CAT ready to sign your books and importantly, engage on the questions and problems your Gen Zs want to ask me. They should bring their friends!
