Two sisters from Marília, Brazil, have won a literary award for their book promoting a balanced relationship with technology and appreciating childhood experiences outside of screens.
In Marília, a city in the interior of São Paulo, two sisters, Sarah Tobias (11) and Duda Tobias (8), have gained significant attention for their innovative approach to promoting responsible internet use among children. Through their book, "Minha amiga Internet — Navegar é bom, mas ser criança é ainda melhor" (My Friend Internet — Navigating is Good, but Being a Child is Even Better), they aim to balance technology with the importance of outdoor play and offline experiences. Their initiative has extended beyond writing, as they actively engage in lectures aimed at children, parents, and university students, advocating for a healthy balance between screen time and real-world play.
Their literary contributions were recently recognized when they secured 1st place in the "Melhores do Ano 2025" awards in the writer category, triumphing over authors of varying ages and styles in their city. This accolade highlights not only their talent but also the impact of their message. The girls debuted their book last year at the Municipal Theater of Marília, where they garnered a substantial audience of approximately 475 attendees, indicating a strong interest in their endeavor and a community eager to support such dialogues regarding childhood and technology.
As they continue to champion the importance of living life beyond screens, the sisters exemplify how youth can contribute positively to societal discussions on technology's role in children's lives. Their story serves as an inspiration for others to recognize the value of balancing digital interactions with real-life experiences, fostering a message that resonates with many families in today's tech-saturated world.
