The number of kids playing in open playgrounds is declining, and that is a cause of concern
JAY JOSHI
A major cause of melancholy for many people is watching the things that defined your time slowly disappear, making way for new trends. And this does not just apply to technology, but also to certain cultural values, and patterns of behaviour that we have as a society. A major change that is underway today concerns young children. As early as the 90s, children playing on grounds or even streets was a common sight. However, today, the number of kids playing outdoors seems to be declining. Many blame advances in technology for this development.
“Kids these days are very busy. They attend tuition after school, starting classes at 3 pm and ending at around 6 pm. They barely have time to play. Additionally, there are other distractions such as mobile, TV, and computer.” says Sunil Sawant, a teacher in Guardian Angel High School Curchorem. “Also, during our childhood, kids across all kinds of economic and social backgrounds used to mingle freely and parents used to give freedom to their kids. These days, parents are paying extra attention to kids, and will monitor where and how their child socialises.”
Panaji-based fitness trainer Sunil Karmalkar too believes parents play an important role in shaping the kids’ behaviour. “I had organised a day-long fitness activity for kids, and it received way more response than what we expected. This prompted me to hold fitness camp thrice a week, but this time, there were not many kids attending. The reason was that a number of parents were not willing to bring their kids just for an hour-long fitness camp. They prefer activities where the child will stay busy for long hours.”
Advocate Akshata Puranik-Bhat, a parent of two boys from Merces has a different observation. “Earlier, kids could roam free because there was security. Now, one cannot guarantee that. Secondly, it is true that parents do not have time, but today, the cost of education and living are increasing with every passing day, and both parents need to work,” says the advocate. She adds that she encourages her own kids to play with their friends and does not allow them to use mobiles. Laptop too is off limits unless it is to be used for educational purposes.
That said, kids and young adults today have their own side of the story. “The ground where I used to play was taken over by a builder for construction” Says Anish Dhopeshwarkar, an 18-year-old student from Ponda. “We found another place close to a resindential complex, but their property was damaged in course of our game, and they forbid us from playing there too. There are simply no grounds”
“I agree that new generation is more into technology.” says Gaurav Chari, a college student from Panaji.”I play table tennis, but I do not find many younger kids playing. The mindset of kids needs to change and they need to be driven to play outdoor games.” However, he conceded that even so, today’s kids are more likely to end up playing in indoor sports complexes rather than open playgrounds. “It’s how today’s kids are growing up.” says Chari.
