Beyond the screen: Why sports are essential for Bengaluru's children

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: In Bengaluru screens have become an integral part of daily life, raising concerns about digital addiction among children. While technology offers numerous benefits, it can easily monopolise time that could be spent on physical activity and social interaction.

However engaging in sports promotes physical activity and social interaction can instil valuable qualities such as teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship. In 2023, concerns about children's screen time in Bengaluru surged, with reports indicating averages of 3 to 5 hours daily.

Edelman's 2023 Digital Media Trends in India Report highlighted that Indian teenagers spend about 4.5 hours daily on their phones.

Dr. Roopesh BN from NIMHANS emphasised that excessive screen time can lead to sleep problems, and attention deficits, and hinder social and emotional development in children.

He stressed the need for a balanced approach, urging parents to monitor and limit screen time to promote a healthier environment for children. The shift from physical social activities to screen time has impacted children's social skills and self-image.

Dr. Roopesh acknowledged the educational benefits of technology but highlighted the importance of moderation. He suggested that the issue might originate from parents using phones as pacifiers for young children, advocating for clear rules, parental controls, and alternative hobbies to manage screen time effectively.

Joseph Hoover, former sports editor, shared his insights with News Trail, saying, “Because of digital addiction, the attention span of children is very short. They drift off and are distracted extremely quickly; sports will help them with their attention span. One big positive impact of sports on children is that, at a very young age, they will learn to handle wins and losses. They will learn to mentally manage losses, which will help in their growth. These days, most students can't even manage one failure, but sports will help them manage that.”

He also added that sports should not be an option or a single PT hour once a week; it should be mandatory for every student for their physical and mental health.

Parents don't want their children to become sports stars; it is a stress buster, and in today’s rat race of academic pressure, sports are more essential than ever.”

He further added, “As important as sports are, it is unfortunate that 85 per cent of schools in Bengaluru do not have the infrastructure, and we don't even have proper infrastructure for professional athletes. While private infrastructure is increasing, most students cannot afford that.”

Usha Iyer, MD of the Green School Bangalore, highlights the significant benefits of sports for students, especially in a digitally dominated city like Bengaluru.

She notes that sports foster essential social skills, such as teamwork, communication, and cooperation, which are crucial for success in both academics and future careers. However, schools face challenges in promoting sports due to the pervasive influence of technology, including smartphones and online gaming, which compete for students' attention.

The academic focus on subjects often sidelines extracurricular activities like sports. Additionally, many Bengaluru schools lack proper sports infrastructure, limiting opportunities for students to engage in physical activities.