There are lots of good reasons for staying indoors. We follow (and write) blogs, keep informed and entertained via the internet, TV and radio (remember that?), and in our hectic daily rush, just hunger to take a break, and sit down. That's all fine. But for young people, the message we adults are sending is at best, a mixed one. We want our kids outside, but we don't go there much anymore ourselves.
If you're over 35 you probably remember spending a lot more time outside than your kids do. For lots of young people, organized sports is their only experience in the outdoors. And once that's done, the typical young person can be found fleeing for the world indoors to get wired, or wi-fied in. Even when found outside, kids today tend to be in transport...going from one indoor appointment to another. And most of the time, they're wired up with earbuds, and oblivious to the world around them.
Part of the problem is that young people are so heavily scheduled. Their lives are broken into 15 minute blocks from an early age. Go here, do that, fill that free time with activity.
But, clearly, the issue is more complex. We live in an age of technological riches; endless gadgets and unlimited access. There are so many virtual choices available that today's kids are the best entertained generation in history. But technology can be a trap. Our virtual riches have led to a poverty of experience. We spend fewer hours outside, visit fewer parks, take fewer walks and have less connection with nature than any generation in our history.
Today's young people will face decisions on climate change, conservaton, land use, and energy. They need to know about how the world works. And not just from a video screen.
Let's all get outside, and become the example. And take the kids with you.
