We must rebuild safer communities for children

A JOURNO'S VOICE

- KAYLYNNE BANTOM

I look at young people today and I cannot help but feel slightly sorry for them. I am a proud Millennial. Part of the last generation to experience a childhood balanced between freedom and technology, between scraped knees and dial-up internet, between real-world adventure and the digital revolution that was still finding its feet.

We were the bridge generation. We knew life before the internet — and we witnessed its arrival. We remember when boredom sparked creativity, not scrolling.

When the streetlights flicking on at dusk were our only curfew. You would play in the road until the sky turned orange, too scared to run home for supper because once you stepped inside, that was it, you were in for the night.

We were scolded, but tomorrow, after school, it was the same case scenario.

There were no WhatsApp groups arranging playdates, no location sharing, no TikTok trends dictating how to have fun.