Changes in children’s play have mirrored the changes in society itself the way it interacts and evolves. The construction of new residential areas and rapid urbanization have altered social relationships and, consequently, child development.
The presence of screens in kid’s daily lives has an impact, providing them with a constant rush of dopamine; a stimulus that is not particularly beneficial, but one that cannot be completely eliminated due to internet’s major presence everywhere. According to psychoanalyst Denise Maiorano, it is important to strike a balance between screen time and play: “If families today could incorporate some sensory play into their lives, it would go a long way toward opening up that whole other world of imagination.”
Stimulation during childhood through play, sensory activities, and socialization is essential for children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Through socialization, children discover their own abilities and limitations, grappling with more complex issues such as self-esteem, confidence, and frustration. It is the distinction between the real world and the imaginary world where play brings people together,and levels games to fit every child’s ability and reality.
It’s interesting to note that today’s games still resemble those of the past—such as tag, hide-and-seek, and blind man’s bluff, but even as children interact with one another, screens are ever-present in their environment, hindering their development.
This anxiety initially manifests itself through abnormal behaviors, such as isolation and aggression. According to the educational psychologist Sueli Mendonça, the biggest difference between children today and those of the past is the superficiality of their emotional bonds, their preference for doing activities alone or using screens instead of actively socializing. So, when a child stops playing, it ends up suffering long-term harm.
“Screens only stimulate visual movement, without engaging the other senses, which ultimately leads to anxiety and fear in children—and the potential for trauma.”
psychologist Sueli Mendonça
It’s important to remember that children’s socialization differs from that of adults; after all, children still possess a childlike innocence, and their developing skills such as empathy, attention, and focus will be build gradually.
Focus is the biggest daily challenge in the life of teacher Rodrigo Luís Lima, who, in the classroom, must compete with screens for his students’ attention and keep them engaged: “They see something online, they pass it on to the next person, and they keep passing it on. So, I realize that their ability to focus for even a minute on something that doesn’t interest them it just doesn’t engage them.”
Another point the teacher mentioned is children’s autonomy, which is also shaped by parental encouragement but can lead to isolation or anxiety in the child.
Regardless of the child, the goal is to raise healthy and authentic adults. No parent should blame themselves for failing to encourage or provide access to all the creativity a child may possess. Nowadays, parents do their best within a routine that is often hectic and surrounded by an unavoidable use of screens. They do their best within a routine that is often hectic.
Children develop based on the life experiences they have, but if you notice developmental delays, abnormal behavior, or isolation, seek help from a child psychologist and/or an educational psychologist. It’s okay for a child to be different, it’s just that this difference shouldn’t prevent them from living their life. Because in a group setting, where everyone is learning and developing skills, children who are less self-reliant tend to distance themselves more, which can create a barrier in the future to their development into autonomous and socially adept adults.
——————————————————-
The article below was edited by Maitê Olyntho.
Liked this type of content? Check out Her Campus Cásper Líbero for more!