Since my own childhood in the 1970s and 1980s, there’s been a significant change in how kids explore the world around them.
Back then, we would roam and play outdoors until darkness fell. If someone was needed at home, a sibling was sent to fetch them. We knew the general areas we could play in — “You’re not allowed to go past this stream” or “you shouldn’t be on that side of the fence” — though sometimes we’d push our luck and venture beyond.
This free outdoor play made us adventurous and self-reliant. Many adults regret that today’s kids don’t experience this physical exploration; outdoor time is typically limited, due to safety concerns like traffic or strangers.
Nowadays, many kids prefer staying indoors, to spend time on digital gadgets. When friends visit, the children sit side-by-side, on different devices. The kids have less motivation to venture outdoors. Indoors, they have many comforts.
Radio call-in shows often feature parents, phoning in to bemoan the downsides to this indoor shift, like less exercise and fewer face-to-face interactions with others.
But it’s not all bad: The online world opens up a new domain for kids — a boundless playground for learning and discovery.
While digital exploration can’t replace physical play (kids still need to run around), it can fulfill the need for exploration and boundary-pushing that the physical world provided for previous generations.
Online, kids can research and learn, interact with other kids, get exposure to different viewpoints, or even pick up crucial skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. Games like Roblox let them meet new people and solve challenges in a safe, controlled environment.
Navigating the digital landscape also fosters the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Children learn to evaluate the credibility of sources, discern between fact and fiction, and determine the relevance of information. They learn to use AI. These skills are increasingly valuable in our information age. Few can predict what future jobs, or future tasks, will look like.
Of course, this digital world has its pitfalls like misinformation, or the risk of a sedentary lifestyle from too much screen time.
It’s up to parents to find a balance. Ensuring kids enjoy the digital world’s benefits while avoiding its drawbacks requires a watchful eye and guiding hand.
But let’s not automatically assume that the new online world is “bad”. As we step further into this digital age, we can adapt our parenting to help kids navigate this online environment, and set them up for the new world that lies ahead.