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Toying with gizmos

Kids snuggle up to high end, technology-driven gizmos, missing out on the fun of playing outdoors. But that’s not all they are losing, says Nandhini Sundar

Tech toys Snazzy display at a store to lure kids

It was just an old tyre and a broken stick. Five-year-old Vembu was all concentration, tapping that tyre, letting it roll down the road, running behind it while his little companion ran by his side, waiting for his chance.

The two boys were getting a crash course on sharing, concentration, co-ordination and creativity. The accompanying physical exercise was the bonus. This was no hi-tech toy running on batteries, programmed to keep them entertained. But entertained they certainly were, bursting into laughter whenever the tyre went out of control and lay flat on the ground.

This is a world where more and more families are facing a scenario of both parents working, putting in long hours. Their children are tended to by professional caregivers who, at most times, are untrained. These children more often than not find themselves in the company of toys that are less interactive, with buttons, batteries, screens and such, structured invariably to entertain them on a singular basis. Factors such as human communication, creativity, early development of softer skills such as empathy and compassion, and interactive play then become a casualty. The advent of nuclear families has only compounded this situation, where interactions with grandparents and the extended family have become rather minimal. Our toy stores too are packed with gizmos that are less interactive and more high tech. They come loaded with batteries, software and turn out to be highly complicated. Interaction here is with the machine, rather than with humans. And hence, development of social skills takes a backseat.

These toys, besides preventing the child from being an active agent involved in the game, undermine the child’s ability as a problem solver. What children need, especially in the early years, is a responsive human, rather than a placid screen or battery-operated toy.

Counsellor Ali Khwaja of Banjara Academy says: “These toys tend to become addictive and can prompt children to become violent if denied access. This is especially true of hi-tech computer games.” According to him, toys which use a high level of technology and involve strategy, can draw the child too deep into it, robbing the child of the desire to play interactive outdoor games with other children. “Social skills are the first casualty here,” he adds.

The question then arises: should children be allowed access to such toys? Aren’t parents equally responsible for making them available to the children?

“When faced with busy job schedules and lack of time to spend with children, parents feel guilty and purchase such toys. This is done under the assumption that the length of time spent on this toy can be controlled. But this doesn’t happen and often leads to behavioural problems.”

Cautioning against the purchase of such toys, Dr. Khwaja suggests that parents play a game with their wards or take them out on a vacation. “It is best to avoid buying hi-tech toys at an early stage rather than trying to wean the child from it later.”

Vidya, mother of two sons and an economist, works to a tight schedule. She looks at the situation differently. “My sons were given the Game Boy X-box at a young age. But we were very clear about their schedules and never had a problem of addiction. Sometimes, when denied, peer pressure can have the reverse effect. The child can turn violent and rebellious. It is best to provide them but be clear about the time spent on these and this should certainly not compromise on outdoor activity or interactive play.”

Bindu Hari, director of a school, says: “Parents should spend quality time with children. Games and toys don’t have to be technology driven and sophisticated software. They can be as simple as a board game in which the family can participate. This kind of interaction improves social and emotional skills of the child and creates a strong bond between parents and children.”

Even in a case where parents are tempted or forced to buy it, she suggests that there should be considerable delay in acquiring the toy so that the child is taught to wait to realise his want. This is where parents can lead by example, she says.

But like all teenagers, 13-year-old Nikhil too has an opinion on this. “I think we should have access to the latest games. If I don’t have them, I would be tempted to play at my friend’s place. I would also be angry with my parents for not buying them when all my friends have them.”

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