"The Last Child in the Woods"

How many times have you and your friends played outside in nature in the afternoon? If you are at my age, meaning in your early twenties or older, then the answer is probably "quite a lot." We played hide and seek and many different games. It did not matter if it was winter or summer, we just went outside and enjoyed what nature offered to us. What happened to those activities? Why is it that nowadays parents almost have to beg to their children to go outside and play. It seems like those kind of activities are nearing extinction. What has changed? Nature is there just like it was there 20 years ago and those games children may still enjoy. Then what happened? Technology happened! The latest technological innovations that bombard children target younger age groups every year. Unfortunately, they succeed and children are more likely to get occupied with a computer or iPhone now then playing jumping rope or hopscotch outdoors. This is the phenomena Richard Louv talks about in his "Last Child in the Woods" book. Technology has become so deeply part of our everyday life that we forget what we will find and how we will feel if we go outdoors. He said "in nature, a child finds freedom, fantasy, and privacy." It is like a separate peace. What advantages go along with playing outside as children? They are breathing in fresh air, moving around, which is very important, and experiencing their environment which holds their future. They are much more fit and healthier than those sitting on the couch. Disadvantages? Nothing really, maybe a little cold if they are not dressed warm enough. How about the advantages and disadvantages of technology? Staying in the house and playing on any electronic equipment builds a wall between children and their community. They might be great with using an iPhone but will not know how to communicate with people and what is life like around them. Needless to say, they will not be able to experience the beauty and importance of nature. Louv called this the "nature-deficit disorder." Watch this video that emphasizes how rare it is to see children playing outdoors and having fun. Is it their fault? No it is not! Our society is giving them the idea that technology is much more fun than nature. Although, the worst is that they do not know that with every new piece of technology used, many pieces of the environment and nature are harmed. Hopefully, in the future, this will all change and that mirror will show more children and fewer factories in it.