The lost games of childhood: From traditional games to mobile dependency

Childhood in Bangladesh during the 1990s was defined by endless hours of outdoor play. We spent our days immersed in games like badminton in the alley, kho-kho (tag), pithu (seven stones), and gollachhut (hide and seek). 

Screens were absent; instead, our world was filled with the sound of footsteps on dusty streets, the laughter of friends, and the earthy scent of rain-soaked ground. Barefoot and carefree, we darted through narrow alleyways, kicking up dust under the blazing sun. These games weren't just about fun—they required skill, strategy, teamwork, and communication. Winning wasn't merely about victory; it was about the adrenaline rush, the bonds forged through play, and the sense of belonging. These traditional games were more than pastimes—they were woven into the fabric of our culture and passed down through generations.

However, children's outdoor play is becoming less and less audible these days. Our childhoods were formerly characterised by outdoor games, but now, the main source of enjoyment is digital displays. The sounds of gollachhut cries and the rhythmic clatter of kancha (marbles) have faded from the streets, and children playing virtual games like Free Fire, PUBG, and TikTok have taken their place. 

Children's interactions with the outside world and with one another have changed as a result of the transition from outdoor activities to screen-based entertainment, which has significant effects on their physical well-being and social development.

Playing these classic games was about far more than just having fun. It involved negotiating rules, strategising with friends, and nurturing a spirit of cooperation. Children worked together to solve problems, collaborated in teams, and engaged in face-to-face communication. These interactions were rich with lessons in teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution. 

Today, however, the scene has shifted dramatically. Instead of fostering genuine connections, children often sit alone, their faces illuminated by screens, chasing virtual rewards in isolated digital worlds. The decline of traditional games isn't just the loss of childhood pastimes; it represents the erosion of a shared cultural heritage. 

Games like kancha, pithu, and gollachhut were more than mere entertainment—they were vessels of life lessons. They taught us how to collaborate, compete fairly, and find joy in shared experiences. When these games fade, we lose not only a piece of our childhood but also a vital thread in the fabric of our cultural identity.

The consequences of this shift are profound and far-reaching. As children spend more time glued to screens and less time engaged in physical play, levels of physical activity have plummeted. This sedentary lifestyle has contributed to rising rates of childhood obesity, poor posture, and related health issues. 

Beyond the physical toll, the emotional and social benefits of in-person interactions—such as empathy, resilience, and effective communication—are being replaced by shallow, fleeting online exchanges. The collaborative and problem-solving skills that were once honed through outdoor play are harder to cultivate in a world dominated by solitary digital games. This isn't just a personal loss; it's a cultural one. 

The communal bonds that were forged through shared laughter, competition, and teamwork are weakening. The simple joys of running, jumping, and playing together are being overshadowed by isolated, screen-based activities, leaving a void where community and connection once thrived.

Recognising that the loss of conventional play is about more than nostalgia for the past is crucial; it's about the richer, more meaningful experiences these games provide. When we celebrated victories in pithu or gollachhut, it wasn't just about the outcome—it was about the joy, camaraderie, and sense of community that came from playing together. 

These games taught us invaluable life skills, such as how to resolve conflicts amicably, negotiate rules, and work as a team. They encouraged physical movement and a deep connection with our surroundings in ways that digital games simply cannot replicate. In today's world, where children spend hours glued to screens, these benefits are increasingly elusive.

The social and emotional advantages of traditional games are equally profound. Outdoor play allowed us to build strong, lasting bonds with friends and neighbours.   We learnt to support one another, celebrate collective victories, and navigate setbacks together. 

These games brought entire communities together, fostering a sense of unity and belonging that feels increasingly rare in today's digital age. Our sense of community was rooted in shared experiences—whether it was organising a game of kancha or playing gollachhut in the alley. These moments weren't just about fun; they were about creating memories and relationships that lasted far beyond the game itself.

In contrast, the digital realm offers few opportunities for genuine, real-world connections. Mobile games might provide fleeting entertainment, but they lack the depth and engagement of in-person play. 

The victories in digital games often feel hollow because they aren't tied to tangible, physical experiences. Instead of feeling the exhilaration of running, the warmth of a friend's laughter, or the thrill of a shared triumph, we're left staring at a screen, interacting with avatars and text on a device. The joy of playing together in the real world is replaced by isolated, virtual interactions that fail to capture the same magic.

Moreover, the sedentary lifestyle encouraged by excessive screen time has significant physical consequences. Poor posture, weakened muscles, and rising rates of childhood obesity are just some of the effects of this digital shift. 

Our energy once channelled into physical play, is now spent in front of screens, leading to a more passive way of life. Creativity, too, has taken a hit. In the past, we adapted our surroundings to fit our imaginations, invented new games, and created our own rules. 

Today's digital games, while entertaining, often provide controlled environments with limited room for creative expression. The freedom to innovate and explore, which was a hallmark of traditional play, is largely absent in the structured world of digital entertainment.

The decline of conventional play isn't just a shift in how children spend their time—it's a loss of the physical, emotional, and social richness that these games once provided. 

As we move further into the digital age, it's essential to reflect on what we're leaving behind and consider how we can preserve the invaluable lessons and experiences that traditional games once offered. The challenge lies in finding a balance that allows children to enjoy the benefits of technology without losing the irreplaceable joys of physical play and human connection.

This is not merely a personal loss; it is a social one. The decline of traditional games signifies the erosion of a way of life, a weakening of communal bonds, and the fading of cultural ties. These games were deeply ingrained in our identity, reflecting who we are as a people. They were more than just pastimes—they were a shared language, a collective memory, and a source of unity. 

Losing them means not only losing the skills of collaboration, communication, and problem-solving they taught but also forfeiting a piece of our history. As we become more integrated into the global, digital world, we risk losing the local, culturally rooted connections that once defined us.

However, the story doesn't have to end here. The worlds of physical play and digital exploration are not mutually exclusive. Instead, we can strive to find a balance between the two. Technology doesn't have to replace outdoor play; in fact, it can be used to enhance it. 

Parents can play a pivotal role by setting boundaries on screen time and encouraging their children to spend more time outdoors, rediscovering the classic games that shaped our own childhoods. Schools, too, can contribute by incorporating traditional games into their physical education curricula, teaching children not only how to play but also about the cultural heritage these games represent.

Community centres and local organisations have the potential to revive these traditions by hosting "traditional game days," where children can learn and play games like kancha, pithu, and gollachhut. These events can serve as a bridge between generations, fostering physical activity while reconnecting children with their cultural roots.

Additionally, technology itself can be creatively leveraged to bridge the gap between the past and the present. For instance, apps could be developed to teach children the rules of traditional games or challenge them to outdoor activities, blending digital engagement with real-world play.

The goal is not to reject technology but to harmonise the old with the new, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the best of both worlds. The experiences of our childhood—rooted in physical play, teamwork, and a sense of belonging—have shaped who we are today. It is our responsibility to pass these experiences on to the next generation.

The life lessons we learn from traditional games—how to collaborate, compete fairly, and resolve conflicts—remain as relevant as ever. By reviving these games and integrating them into modern life, we can offer children a richer, more balanced upbringing, one that nurtures both their digital literacy and their connection to the physical world.

Ultimately, kancha, pithu, and gollachhut were more than just games. They were traditions that brought us together, helped us grow, and tied us to our cultural heritage. They taught us the value of community, the joy of shared experiences, and the importance of physical play. Let us ensure that future generations do not miss out on these invaluable lessons. 

Let us work to preserve these traditions, not as relics of the past but as living, breathing parts of our present and future. By doing so, we can ensure that the happiness, camaraderie, and cultural richness these games provide continue to thrive in the hearts and minds of our children. Let's not let these memories fade—let's make them endure.

Sketch: TBS

Zaziratul Zannat is a public health scholar. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.