In today’s digital age, it’s easy to hand over a tablet or smartphone to keep children entertained during car rides, meals, or quiet moments. While this might seem like a convenient solution, experts agree that the growing reliance on screens for young children comes with significant developmental risks. In contrast, traditional play with physical toys offers vital benefits that screens can’t provide.
Scientific research consistently shows that children who engage more in active play and interact with traditional toys are healthier, happier, and better equipped for success in school. Toys that encourage movement, creativity, and social interaction—such as blocks, push cars, and bikes—help develop important skills like problem-solving, motor coordination, and emotional regulation. In fact, organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children under two avoid screen time altogether, while those aged 2 to 6 should have very limited exposure. Even for older children, screen time should be capped at just 30 minutes per day.
The problem with screen time is that it typically offers passive engagement rather than fostering interaction with the world. While screens can entertain, they do little to engage a child’s imagination or promote physical activity. Studies show that children who spend excessive time on screens often struggle with focus and attention, need more external stimulation to stay engaged, and may find it difficult to self-regulate emotionally. The overstimulating nature of digital content makes it hard for children to transition to more calm, less stimulating activities, resulting in difficulties with patience and perseverance.
In contrast, toys provide children with hands-on experiences that encourage their brains and bodies to work together. For example, toys like push cars or building blocks not only help develop fine and gross motor skills, but also foster creativity and cognitive growth. Outdoor play—whether it’s riding a bike or simply playing in the sand—offers sensory experiences that digital devices can’t replicate, providing children with vital exposure to different textures, shapes, and sensations. These types of physical play are essential for brain development, as they allow children to learn about their environment and interact with it in meaningful ways.
Furthermore, traditional toys promote imaginative play, which helps children develop empathy, social skills, and emotional intelligence. Role-playing with dolls, action figures, or even stuffed animals allows children to act out various social scenarios, helping them learn about relationships, problem-solving, and self-expression. These kinds of experiences are crucial for emotional growth, as they allow children to practice handling feelings, frustrations, and challenges in a safe and creative space. On the other hand, screen time often offers instant gratification and lacks the kind of meaningful interaction that fosters emotional intelligence.
In addition to cognitive and emotional growth, traditional toys also support physical development. Children who engage in active play with toys that require movement—like a ball or climbing frame—build strength, coordination, and spatial awareness. These activities promote the development of motor skills, balance, and body awareness, which are crucial for tasks like reading, writing, and coordination in general. Without these kinds of physical activities, children may miss out on important growth opportunities that digital devices don’t provide.
While it’s unrealistic to completely eliminate screen time in today’s world, it’s important for parents to find a balance. Limiting screen exposure and prioritizing time for physical, creative play helps children develop the skills they need to succeed in all areas of life. Toys that promote movement, creativity, and social interaction are far more beneficial to a child’s development than time spent on a screen. Encouraging children to play with toys helps them grow into well-rounded individuals with the cognitive, social, and emotional skills they need to thrive. In a world increasingly dominated by technology, it’s crucial to remember the timeless value of traditional play.
