2019 Edition Vol 6 Issue 21 DIGITAL

Written by
Ogo Ubabukoh
Our 21st century is inseparable from
technological advancement. Although
technology comes with immense
advantages, its challenges cannot be
underestimated, as well. Interpersonal
interaction has been affected greatly
by technological gadgets, which have
effectively addicted many children,
making them, virtually become a zombie
to their electronic devices. That comes
at a price. Naturally, human beings are
instinctively drawn towards their natural
surroundings, however, presently, many
kids spend a greater part of their time
indoors on a couch in front of a screen
or with electronic gadgets in their hands
rather than outdoors. This helpless
succumb to the screen has led to what
some call Nature deficit disorder (NDD).
The latest research in the USA has shown
an alarming result: most children in the
USA spent a mere 4-7 minutes a day
outside and hugely, 7 hours, addicted to
their screen. The result cannot be more
worrisome.
While some parents may attribute
encouraging their children to spend a
good amount of their time indoors to
fear of contracting diseases outside, many
medical and social research works have
repeatedly pointed out the enormous
advantages of exposing children to
outdoor activities. It is not only socially
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advantageous for children to spend much
of their time outside with other children,
taking a walk in the woods is medically
healthy for them as well. For those parents
who still doubt the advantages of having
their children outside than encouraging
them to become slaves to electronic
gadgets, read further.
Happy children, happy family:
Recent research works constantly show
that children and adults who are exposed
to outside environment are happier,
smarter, more social, healthier and less
anxious than those who bury their heads
in front of the screen most of the time.
Ecologically speaking, human beings are
meant for their natural environment,
hence being close to nature explains,
perhaps the above results.
Responsibility and
leadership. Inculcating the spirit of
responsibility and leadership on children
starts with making them be conscious
of their natural environment. Our lives
depend on the sustenance of our natural
environment; once children are made to
understand that a simple act like giving
water to a plant or taking care of a garden
benefits them and other members of the
eco-system, directly and indirectly, they
would transcend that responsibility to a
Continuation on PAGE 26
Are you a child?
Can you write
interesting
stories?
Do you want
to be part of
the Kata Kata
Creative Club?
Please send us
your story (not
more than one
page) with your
e-mail contact
details. Perhaps
your story may
be published with
your photo or you
may win a prize
for your creative
talent.
Send your story
to:
info@katakata.org
2019 Issue 21 Kata kata cartoon magazine
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