Lost Childhood in a Digital World

  •   Fri, Nov 14 2025
  •   By Fr Ajay Nelson D'Silva SJ

November 14, 2025 

If we look back to the past, we can see that childhood was one of the happiest and least complicated times — the laughter of little kids playing in the grass, holding kites, catching butterflies or insects, and making all sorts of noise that could be called innocent. Yet, children today make a completely different kind of noise. The noise is no longer in parks or similar places but instead in the sound of typing on keyboards and tapping on screens. Our children are confined indoors and no longer playing outside. The playground is empty, the bicycle is getting rusty, and playing in the rain is forgotten. The view outside the windows no longer fills them with thrill and amazement — a brighter, smaller world, the mobile screen, glows in their hands. Their entertainment comes from video games. They build empires in the virtual world but have lost the ability to form real-life friendships. They fight enemies on screens but don't know the thrill of running breathlessly to the finish line. Their achievements are measured in points, not in the number of people on their side. 

In a way, they are busy with reels, not real events. Through cameras, they see sunsets; they have birthday celebrations for photos instead of shared joy. They scroll through others' moments while missing their own. And some, heartbreaking as it is, have become digital zombies. They stare at screens with eyes, their minds numb, and hearts untouched. 

But it doesn’t have to be this way forever. Childhood can be reclaimed. It starts with us — parents, teachers, and older generations — turning off our screens and turning toward the kids. Small things matter: a walk together, a game of catch, a bedtime story, a meal shared with phones away. 

It’s not too late for our kids. By encouraging them to enjoy life again — if we act now — we can help them rediscover joy. Children need more than gifts; they need their parents. Spend quality time — talk, listen, think without rushing. Let them experience changing weather, the ground, and nature. Nature and sports teach social skills, patience, and excitement — things no screen can. Children observe us more than they listen. When they see adults valuing real conversations, books, and relationships, they will follow. Introduce them to art, music, and literature. Help them see the world beyond screens. 

On this Day, let’s give our kids what they truly need — a childhood. Not a digital one, but a living, breathing, laughing one. Let them climb trees, get their knees hurt, dream big, and make real friends. What we offer as a gift isn’t another gadget but the ability to be fully alive and to enjoy it. On this Children’s Day, let’s pledge to restore what technology has taken — the ability to rest, explore new worlds, and marvel at life. We should give our children the greatest gift: time. Time to dream, play, grow, and live sincerely. The best childhood memories aren’t made on screens but under the open sky. The most meaningful gift we can give is not another electronic device, but a childhood full of love, laughter, and life.

 

 

 

 

 
By Fr Ajay Nelson D'Silva SJ
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