After COVID struck the world, playgrounds turned empty, and social media engulfed younger generations; kids today are more absorbed in technology than ever.
The virus forced kids to avoid going outdoors to have fun, which took a huge toll on the world.
Newer generations spent their childhood indoors, lacking the experience that older generations had when they were younger. This caused the newer generation to get addicted to cellular devices, especially since school was done through a screen during the pandemic.
Playgrounds were empty for a long time and getting back on track seemed impossible.
With newer generations turning into pre-teens after COVID settled down, the priorities of preteens have transitioned from playing outside to school work and other activities due to growing up. Kids are now addicted to cellular devices and apps such as TikTok, SMS and Instagram.
People see playgrounds empty, but never see a kid without a phone.
The term “iPad kid” became popular after toddlers in public had a tablet in their hands constantly. People can go anywhere and see at least one or two kids on a cellular device no matter what age.
Thankfully, fewer playgrounds look empty in 2024 after the virus has died down, but that doesn’t mean every kid is playing outside.
Social media still has a huge toll on kids not playing outside anymore.
A survey was put out that concluded that in 2022 the United States observed 68 percent of pre-teens using social media, according to statista.com.
Instead of the virus acting as the problem of kids not going outside anymore, it has now moved to technology and social media being the main problem. A solution for this is for teens to take phone breaks and for parents to restrict time on devices.
With those solutions, there can be an increase in children going outside.
