Jess French

CHILDREN CANNOT EXPERIENCE THE NATURAL WORLD VIA A TABLET. THEY SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO PLAY OUTDOORS.

- 

Spring’s arrival is always a welcome tonic for the winter blues, but this year was extra special. I watched a dull, grey world burst into bright and brilliant life through the eyes of my baby daughter. Chatting to other new mums, I remarked on the pure joy of watching the grass tickle her tiny toes for the very first time, and was shocked to be met with disapproval – even fear.

As their toddlers swiped and clicked on an array of digital devices, these concerned parents listed the dangers of allowing my five-month-old to play in the dirt.

It’s no secret that the young people of our ultra-connected electronic age are more disconnected from nature than they have ever been. Increasingly fearful of the great outdoors, parents are quick to choose clean, indoor alternatives over messy, dangerous wild play. Children are born into a world of screens, social media and selfies. Somehow, conkers are now deemed out of date.