Former Nigerian Senator, Shehu Sani, recently took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to express concern about the increasing detachment of today’s generation of children from traditional pastimes and their growing addiction to technology. In his post, Sani highlighted the stark contrast between the childhoods of previous generations and the modern tech-driven lives of today’s youth.
Sani opened by observing that the new generation of children no longer show interest in the toys and activities that once defined childhood. “We have a new generation of children that are not interested in toys and bicycles,” he lamented. According to him, these children aren’t drawn to outdoor play, mud, sand, or even traditional games like hide and seek, which were once staples of childhood fun. The thrill of riding bicycles, swinging on swings, or playing football in the rain has been replaced by their obsession with digital gadgets.
While Sani recognized that these children are part of a new, tech-savvy generation, he expressed disappointment in their waning interest in conventional activities. He pointed out that they’re no longer fascinated by television, despite advancements in its design, such as its slimness and sleekness, and are increasingly disinterested in cartoons. Even culturally enriching experiences, such as visits to museums and art galleries, hold little appeal for today’s youth. “They think of the library as archaic,” Sani noted, adding that instead of discussing books, they focus their conversations on content from social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
This shift in interests, according to Sani, has also extended to the role models and figures that today’s youth admire. Rather than looking up to politicians, soldiers, religious leaders, or business moguls as heroes, the tech generation idolizes musicians, entertainers, social media influencers, content creators, and sports stars. This shift, he argues, points to a profound cultural change driven by the dominance of technology in everyday life.
Sani went on to describe this phenomenon as the rise of “tech children”—a breed of youth who are inseparable from their phones and tablets. “Every child wants a phone and a pad. The privileged kids have it, and the kids from less privileged homes aspire to it,” he observed. Once engrossed in their devices, these children often become disconnected from the physical world, preferring instead to immerse themselves in the virtual. He expressed particular concern about their obsession with gaming, entertainment, and frivolous social media content, noting that parents now face daily battles trying to pull their children away from screens.
The former senator emphasized that this is not an isolated problem but a global issue that nearly every household faces. He painted a picture of children who are more knowledgeable about faraway places and people they’ve never met, yet their social and physical development may be stunted by their fixation on technology. Sani also pointed out that these children have mastered the art of hiding their activities from their parents, knowing more about gadgets and apps than their guardians do. This, he said, has made them “half human, half alien from the cyber space.”
Sani also expressed concern about the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), which he believes exacerbates the problem. With instant access to information and solutions, the tech generation is beginning to question the value of critical thinking and intellectual struggle. “Why should they squeeze or stress their brains?” he asked, noting that AI has made life easier, but at the cost of intellectual growth and resilience.
In his closing remarks, Sani acknowledged the benefits of technology but warned of its dangers, particularly to children. He called for a concerted effort to address the issue, leaving readers with the pressing question: “Where do we go from here?”
As Sani’s observations resonate with many parents and guardians worldwide, his post serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge of raising children in an increasingly digital world, where the allure of technology often overshadows traditional forms of learning and play.
ABC NEWS NIGERIA
ainuwa303@gmail.com
About The Author
