Childhood Lost

Why television, mobile phones, facebook, ipads and other electronic devices are ruining our children’s early years.

When I was a kid we got three television channels, and none of them worked very well. It was Bonanza on Wednesday, Rawhide on Monday, and possibly a football game on Saturday or Sunday. Television played a minute part of my childhood. Likewise, the telephone was not a big thing. Our telephone number was 967, and we had to talk to an operator if we wanted to speak to someone on a long distance line.

Today, many of my students watch 3-4 hours of TV a day and are on their phones or computers 3-4 hours a day texting and chatting. So if most of the screen time is eliminated, what would kids do?

What would you do with the extra time? I spent most of my time at Sespe Creek. I know most students probably do not have a wild river within 5 minutes of their home, but I did. But, surely, there is a park, creek, trees, or even empty lot near your home that needs exploring. It was quiet down at the creek, and I heard only natural sounds. From a young age, I was interested in birds, butterflies, fishing, and exploring. My rural childhood reminds me to make it a daily priority to take a walk in the park and listen to the natural sounds around me.

Many of my students might say, “Who cares about being outside?” They might choose a video game over riding a bike or playing a game outside. Many would say, “Why go outside? Video games are much more exciting”. Children may have more excitement, but have lost their childhood to the electronic world. In the last five years, I have noticed many children seem more disconnected to their natural world. Many are afraid of bugs, weeds, and trees, and much more comfortable studying them on the internet than in person. From my perspective, it is very scary to see that, but also sad to think that children are missing out on the richness of a wholesome childhood.

If you are a kid, reduce your couch time and get outside, explore nature, become physically active. If you are a parent, balance is very important. Too much screen time turns a child’s brain to mush. I’ve seen it many times with students. A kid will come to school on Monday after a video game marathon and his brain is “fuzz”. It may take 3 days before the kid is able to start thinking clearly again. It concerns me because 7-18 year old brains are not fully developed. What is all of this electronic gadgetry doing their brains?

I don’t expect everyone to unload their TVs, phones, and video games and start “living off the land”. But I know the value of being outside, and how rich a childhood can be, if  time is spent in the woods and fields every day.