Nature Valley put out a video which asked three generations in each family the same question. “What did you like to do for fun as a kid?” Grandparents said they played outside, parents claimed to have played outside; while the grandchildren said they play on their electronics. What a sad commentary on our society.
See the video for yourself here:
An article came out in 2010 stating that kids spend almost seven hours a day on their gadgets. I’m sure that figure has grown in the last couple of years.
We have gone from using the television as a babysitter to other electronic devices. It keeps our children happy, out from under our feet, and thereby alleviating the need to parent.
1 Corinthians 9:25 tells us that Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Kids need to learn self-control, and that means everything in moderation from the sweets they eat to the time they spend on their electronic toys.
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How can our kids really understand the moral complexities of being alive if they are not allowed to engage in those complexities outdoors? – Richard Louv, author
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Kids can’t learn to interact with others if they only interact online. They can’t learn about sharing if they only play games online. Too many lessons are missed by allowing our children to spend all day on 
electronic devices.
I encourage you to turn off the televisions, tablets, computers, and cell phones for one day each month (preferably each week) and get away. Take a hike, visit a museum, or play ball with your children or grandchildren. Show them there is more to enjoy than just the world of the Internet.
It will give them wonderful memories of not only their surroundings, but of time spent with you as well.
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Thoughtful post and for the most part, sadly true. Thankfully I can say none of my grandchildren spend all their time in the world of electronic gadgets. Not that they wouldn’t if allowed but my kids agree with you. They play out doors. They play with friends and siblings. They are involved in sports and music. And remarkably, the older ones have a better than many adults grasp of the issues our country faces because their parents discuss these things and include their kids in the debate.
Sounds like they’re doing a good job raising the next generation. Thanks for stopping by, Skye.