Ep 44 | Hey Technology! Leave Those Kids Alone
Shownotes
Screens, swipes, scrolling, and AI. Oh my! Technology is moving faster than ever, and it's reaching children younger and younger. But what happens when screen time starts replacing mud pies, make-believe, and good old-fashioned outdoor play?
In this episode of the Play Nature Podcast, Rusty Keeler settles in beside his favorite spot, Six Mile Creek, to ask a big question: Are we trading the real world for the digital one?
Rusty climbs onto his soapbox (watch out!) to explore the growing influence of technology on childhood, creativity, and development. From research on screen time and imaginative play to his own adventures with an electric car and some suspiciously convincing AI scams, Rusty shares stories that make us wonder just how much technology we've learned to accept. And whether that's always a good thing.
Don’t toss your phone into the creek..yet. We’re talking about finding balance and protecting the magic of childhood. Kids don't need another app to discover the world. They need sticks, stones, bugs, friends, and the freedom to play.
Step away from the screen. Get outside. And keep it real!
Top 3 Takeaways from Rusty’s Creekside Soapbox:
- Less Scrolling, More Strolling: Why too much screen time can crowd out the real-world experiences young children need.
- Play Is Brain Food: How imaginative play and outdoor adventures support creativity, emotional well-being, and independent thinking.
- Keep Childhood Real: Why slowing down, connecting with nature, and protecting time for unstructured play matter more than ever.
Links:
- Singapore (screen time, 2026)
link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12519-026-01046-1
- University of Sydney (pretend play, 2026)
- Cornell (10 minutes in nature, 2020)
cals.cornell.edu/news/spending-time-nature-reduces-stress-research-finds
- Finland (forest floor in daycare yards, 2020)
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs