It is a bit of a double-edged sword because while technology is essential for navigating the modern world, the lack of unstructured, offline play is definitely changing how our children develop their social skills and creativity. In the Nigerian context, we are moving away from communal play, like playing suwe or police and thief in the compound, which taught us so much about negotiation, conflict resolution, and physical resilience. I think the key isn't to ban gadgets entirely, but to intentionally carve out "analogue hours" where kids are encouraged to climb trees, play board games, or simply get bored enough to invent their own fun. We might be losing that sense of neighborhood connection, but by bringing back those vintage activities, we can give them a more grounded childhood despite the digital noise. Balancing the two worlds is the only way to ensure they grow up both tech-savvy and well-rounded.

I think it is less about a disservice and more about a rapid cultural shift, as modern Nigerian parenting often involves juggling demanding schedules where gadgets provide a necessary, albeit imperfect, safety net. While screen time is the new normal, I do worry that kids are losing the resilience and creative problem-solving skills we developed by playing outside until sunset. We are definitely missing out on the joy of neighborhood games like suwe, tinko-tinko, or hide-and-seek, which taught us how to navigate social dynamics and resolve conflicts without an app involved. The best approach isn't to ban technology entirely, but to intentionally carve out time for those old-school sensory experiences like storytelling, outdoor physical play, or traditional board games. Finding that balance is tough, but those screen-free moments are where the real childhood magic often happens.