Before the advent of computer technology, children and young people were into beneficial games that developed their physical strength, social well-being, and mental alertness, not to mention the economical side of those games. But when computerized gadgets came, these youngsters became glued to these things, depriving themselves of those benefits derived from indigenous toys and games.
And so, as digital technology advanced further, many of these kids had even developed addictions to gadgets. Some of them became frail physically, some had ruined their eyes, and others had developed stomach ulcers from skipping their meals or not eating on time. Not only these but some had become socially aloof, distant from loved ones, and absent-minded as though they live in a different world. At times, you can’t nicely talk to them since they tend to be irritable, in deep thought, or unwilling to entertain a conversation.
These are not good indicators to see upon our future citizens and leaders. These are, in fact, signs of societal decadence. We do not want to have future citizens who are physically frail, mentally unfit, loners and unfriendly, and are glued to gadgets since they can never satisfactorily carry out their tasks, make the right decisions, properly relate to other people, and be productive in their fields of assignment. It is for this reason that efforts to rescue them from gadget addiction should be put in place, even if it means putting them in rehabilitation centers. We cannot afford to lose our future generation by allowing them to be devoured by modern gadgetry, their time wasted, and their health ruined.
While attempts to sort of rehabilitate them may prove useful, some alternatives should likewise be introduced. That’s where the need for a reintroduction of those old games and toys comes in. Yes, they must be good alternatives to reckon with. There are some others, of course, but since these are youngsters who are still fond of playing, games should form part of these options. If it’s done in compulsory manners like required school activities, these youths would have no choice but to engage in said games. In the process, and in the long run, they will learn to appreciate them, and eventually play these games at will.
These toys and games are called by many names in various localities—traditional, ethnic, cultural, indigenous, etc. And, believe me, there are so many. That is why youngsters of today will never find them boring to play with since they vary a lot. And what’s more, they can be had for free. One may just ask them from farmers, or from those who live in rural areas since these toys are mostly sourced from farmlands. One may take time to create them, though, to get them ready for fun games. But once created, many of these toys can last for some time despite repeated use.
I can enumerate what I know about indigenous toys. I can make them myself, and play with them. I just know how, knowing that I belong to that older generation before the advent of gadgets. I know the rules of the games, too. If only to save our young people from gadget addiction.
