avatarAlexandra Duncan

Summary

The article discusses the shift from outdoor play to screen-based activities among children today compared to the 90s, and advocates for encouraging kids to play outside.

Abstract

The author, a 90's kid, reminisces about the days when children played outside until dinner and the street lights signaled bedtime. In contrast, the article highlights that in 2022, children are more likely to be found indoors, engrossed in games like Minecraft and Roblox on their iPads or using Messenger Kids to communicate with friends. The author expresses concern over this trend of 'screen addiction' and calls for action to save children from the overuse of digital devices. The article concludes with a plea for others to join in making kids play outside, suggesting a potential solution to the issue of excessive screen time.

Opinions

  • The author believes that the current generation of children is missing out on the benefits of outdoor play.
  • There is a palpable sense of nostalgia for the author's own childhood, which was filled with outdoor activities.
  • The author views the replacement of outdoor play with screen time as a problem that needs addressing.
  • The article suggests that parents and guardians should take an active role in limiting screen time and encouraging outdoor activities.
  • The author is advocating for a change in children's habits to include more physical activity and less reliance on digital entertainment.
Photo by the author, Alexandra Duncan.

The youth that no longer plays.

I’m a 90’s kid. We played outside every day. We came in when it was time for dinner, went back out, then came in for the night when the street lights came on.

Fast forward to 2022, kids are not doing this anymore. They don't play outside. The sun is shining and the world is theirs but instead of riding their bikes up to the empty neighborhood playground, they are playing Minecraft and Roblox on their iPads.

They are using Messenger Kids to call their next-door neighbor.

Is no one else going to join me in trying to save them from this screen addiction?

Thanks for reading, you can read my full article on this topic here.

Illumination
Short Form
Introduction
Parenting
Technology
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