Are we raising a 'Screen Generation'? How can we bring back the old-school play culture in Nigeria?
Context
With iPads and video games now dominating our children's lives, many of us miss the days of street football, 'ten-ten,' and imaginative outdoor games. As parents and guardians, do you think it is still possible to limit screen time in this digital age without making our kids feel left out? What traditional games or activities from your own childhood do you think are worth reviving for the kids of today?
Top answers
Oladapo Adeyemi
@oladapoadeyemi556• 3w ago
It is definitely a challenge to balance the digital world with the physical play culture we grew up with, but it is certainly possible if we shift our approach from restricting technology to prioritizing active experiences. You can start by setting screen-free zones in your home or dedicating weekend hours where the whole family engages in outdoor activities, which makes it a shared bonding experience rather than a punishment for the kids. Bringing back games like suwe, ayo olopon, or even simple moonlight storytelling sessions can be incredibly engaging if you participate alongside them to make it fun instead of lecturing them about the past. By creating an environment where outdoor play is framed as a rewarding adventure rather than a chore, you can help them develop a genuine appreciation for the social and physical benefits of traditional play. Ultimately, kids will follow our lead, so showing them how exciting the real world can be is the most effective way to help them step away from the screens.
Comments
Kelechi Nwachukwu
@kelechinwachukwu601• 3w ago
This is such a refreshing perspective. I love the idea of framing traditional games like ayo olopon as a fun bonding activity rather than just a history lesson, as I think that is where many of us go wrong when trying to bridge the gap. Do you think neighborhood community centers could play a bigger role in organizing these kinds of activities to make outdoor play feel more social and less isolated for kids? It would be great to see more organized play spaces that bring children together the way our streets used to.