All Work and No Play: Here’s Why it is Dangerous

Do our kids even play anymore? The answer is NO.

The present generation of children in India, regardless of their gender, age, and the state in which they live are all heading into an unhealthy future. The fitness levels among children are alarmingly receding, there is reduced flexibility, and they are more prone to diseases; all because of a sedentary lifestyle.

According to research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), 81% of school-going adolescents across the world, are not active enough. This dissociation from nature has resulted in weakened immunity and poorer health. They are prone to heart diseases, asthma, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. Minimal social interaction and dependency on electronics have also resulted in various mental health disorders. Children are more anxious, emotionally disturbed, depressed, suicidal, and have problems practicing self-control.

The United Nations in its attempt to promote outdoor play has recognized Play, along with shelter and education as a basic human right. This comprehensive international treaty also demands that governments think more deeply about children and their rights as citizens and work more closely towards their holistic development. The Integrated Programme for Street Children, Integrated Child Development Scheme, and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan are a few initiatives taken by the Indian Government to promote education and play in the country.

Moving ahead, what one needs to understand at this point, is that technology is not a substitute for outdoor play. Parents need to invest more time with their kids instead of providing them with fancy gadgets and all things tech. They need to take them outdoors and inculcate in them the habit of physical play, right from an early age. This will not only reduce the umpteen health hazards but will also help the child develop his/her cognitive and physical strength.