Most parents worry about the safety of their children more than just about anything else.
But according to visiting US occupational therapist Cris Rowan, keeping them quietly entertained indoors, where they are disconnected from nature and attached to video games and other technology, is an illusion of safety that is causing real problems in their physical and mental health. Rowan began to see significant changes in her clients about 15 years ago.
An increase in attention problems, poor academic performance, aggression, impaired sleep, obesity, and developmental delays prompted her to turn to research in the field of technology use and children.
Rowan identified two primary areas of concern, the addictive nature of video games and the impact of technology use on children's health, behaviour, and ability to learn.
Beyond basic survival, Rowan explains that children need to be active and connect with nature in order to thrive. Being in nature, and physical movement, are attention restorative, sensory calming, and essential to healthy growth.
For example, playing on swings is not only fun, but has an impact on core physical strength, as well as the development of balance, proprioceptive, tactile and attachment systems that are needed for paying attention and reading.