Punjab: Children trapped behind the screen
Punjab: “Every morning when I look out of my window, I find the streets empty, the parks barren and the swings rusted. Where have all the children gone?” In today’s world, the simple joys of swinging and playing outside have been completely replaced by technology. Childhood, once filled with nature and imagination, is now connected to the internet. With screens illuminating every aspect of life, childhood innocence stands dangerously at a crossroads. The same devices designed to connect us may inadvertently sever the ties that connect our children to the tangible world. The paradox lies in the fact that mobile phones, initially intended as a distraction or engagement tool for children, have become gateways to a dangerous digital realm. Games and addictive content captivate young minds, stealing time from real childhood experiences.
Gone are the days when children enjoyed the wonders of nature—the red colour of the rising sun, the endless blue sky, the chirping of birds, star-studded nights, Chanda Mama stories, folk tales of grandmas and carefree play with peers. “Even a six-month-old child does not eat unless he has a smartphone in his hand. They are emotionally controlled by a handful of people running social media and the result is that we are heading towards a depressed society,” warns Agarwal. Let them take up hobbies like clay modelling, gardening, repair and maintenance of household items, embroidery, sports and music. Schools can also play a vital role. “They can contribute by including a dedicated period for Socially Useful Productive Work (SUPW), as it promotes practical skills, social responsibility and holistic development. SUPW aims to connect learning in the classroom with real-world applications, encouraging students to engage in activities that benefit both themselves and the community.” Aggarwal concludes by stressing that the digital age should not be seen as an obstacle or a problem – but rather as an opportunity. “It should be leveraged, and childhood should become a joyful and beneficial experience.”
