Can I play with your phone?

Nigel and Shannon (and I'm sure Amber soon) have a common question these days whenever we go out - Can I play with your phone?

The addiction of gaming and the extremely common sight of other children poking away at their parents (or own) phones have made the colour of their little eyes green (with envy). Even when they have good company around of friends or relatives, their fingers itch with anticipation and craving, and they just need that phone. Not to call someone, but to play games. The age of constant and mobile gaming, anywhere, anytime, anyone, is definitely hereand has made us into maniacs that spend all our time looking into those tiny screens, trying to kill the ducks, birds or any other living creature.

I normally say no, and have to say it several times. Nigel doesn't seem to understand NO unless you repeat it ten times. Same for a simple request to brush his teeth.

For sure, some games are educational, build their hand-eye co-ordination - but we feel when it becomes an addiction that takes over the ability to communicate with others around them, it has the potential to be detrimental to their social skills and regular human interaction. I'm sure it's also not so good for their eyesight.