I have had ADD my whole life, but I always found action figures and Lego to be just as good or better than electronics. Like others have said... I think the majority of it comes down to parenting. I know one thing for sure... my kids are not going to become tech junkies, they will go play kick the can and dodge ball, and play/build with Lego sets before I allow them to become lazy spoiled couch potatoes.


D.

As a teacher here's my two cents.

Some of you have hit the nail right on the hit. Far too many parents are using electronic devices like smart phones and game systems as babysitters. They either don't want to or simply don't have the time to play with their kids and teach them how to entertain themselves with imaginative play. It's much easier to buy them a new video game to keep them out of your hair while you do other things.

And then the kids come to school where they are expected to sit quietly, concentrate on learning, and actually read something from a book. And many of them simply can't because those traits (along with delaying gratification) have never been taught (or modeled) at home.

Now, it's not every kid, but it's an increasing percentage of them. Right now I'd put it at 20%.

But the numbers are increasing each and every year.

This is the first generation of kids to be wired in almost from birth. There are going to be societal implications that we simply aren't ready to deal with.

And wait until these kids start having kids.

Of course, by then, I'll be retired from the profession. And I'll be thanking God for that!

That is when the world will really end.


D.

And then the kids' kids will start having kids, and instead of playing with video games they'll be riding on actual, functional Mattel Hoverboards and then it will all come back full circle.

I'm still waiting for my flying car. We were promised flying cars, dammit!