Digital play or outdoor play?
A child’s world is full of wonders. Well-rounded development is based on using both worlds – the outdoors and the digital environment – in the right balance.
Both outdoor play and time spent with smart devices contribute to a child’s development. Outdoor play enhances social and physical skills, while playing with digital devices develops important technological and cognitive abilities.
Setting different forms and tools of play against each other is risky – what matters most is simply that the child plays!
What is this article about?
This article explores the diversity of how children learn, without demonizing any method of learning. Play – no matter the environment – always supports a child’s development.
We look at what a child learns through outdoor play and what skills they gain through digital play. Both outdoor activities and digital games contribute to a child’s growth from different perspectives.
The goal is to inspire parents to find a balance where their child’s development and learning can naturally flourish.
Play is essential for a child’s development – no matter the form it takes!
Some of the benefits include:
• Growth in social interaction skills
• Emotional development and agency
• Development of empathy and cooperation
• Physical and motor skill development
• Nature contact strengthens the immune system
• Reduces stress and improves mood
• Enhances imagination and creativity
• Basic technological skills
• Information-seeking and learning
• Cognitive development
• Digital creativity and storytelling
• Gamification makes learning fun and engaging
In the article The Power of Play – Expert Interview, we dive deeper into how play supports child development.
How does play support a child’s development?
Play is the basis for all social interaction.
Social interaction, such as forming and deepening friendships, often happens through play. Friendships and cooperation skills not only help in everyday challenges but also form the foundation for all of a child’s future relationships.
Play is almost always interaction. Even a game of peekaboo between a baby and a parent is early social exchange, explains Karolina Lamroth, coordinator of the Play Day programme at the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare.
Through play, children learn to share, negotiate, and solve conflicts with their peers, and to take an active role in their social relationships.
Digital games can also strengthen a child’s sense of belonging and friendships.
The common image of digital play is that it’s isolating and passive, but in reality, children often play online with their friends or within a gaming community.
Playing together and working in a group helps children understand their own and others’ emotions, needs, boundaries, and thoughts. In this way, play supports emotional development.
A child’s motor skills develop best by falling down
The importance of physical activity is invaluable for a child’s growth and development. Running, jumping, and throwing strengthen muscles, improve balance, and develop coordination. Confidence also grows as the child learns to use their body and understand its limits.
Physical activity also supports brain development, as children learn to plan their movements and react to changes in their environment.
Not long ago, Pokémon was a huge trend that got entire families moving and exploring together. Digital games can actually serve as a gateway to outdoor play, Karolina reminds us.
While nothing can replace practicing physical skills – like learning to climb a tree – digital games can spark the motivation to try.
Tip: Fresh air calms the mind, reduces stress, and boosts mood – for all ages!
Play doesn’t have to be useful – it can just be play
Play is constantly changing with the times, and there’s no going back to the often-nostalgic version of childhood remembered by adults.
Today’s world brings its own layer to how children play – and that’s okay. The past wasn’t necessarily better, it was simply different, says Karolina.
We live in an environment where smart devices are always with us and easily accessible to fill “boring moments.”
But a child’s brain also needs those boring moments. Play doesn’t need to be productive. It doesn’t have to lead to any result. The act of play itself is important!
Playing in nature challenges a child’s problem-solving skills and develops imagination. Natural environments and materials offer limitless inspiration.
When the mind is constantly overstimulated, coming up with something new becomes more difficult – we know this. Still, children are creative users of phones, and smart devices can actually be helpful tools in play. The device itself isn’t the problem – it’s how it’s used.
The world is digital – whether we like it or not
Technological (like all) skills are learned by doing
The digital world, while often discussed in terms of its risks, also brings many opportunities. Learning technological skills is highly valuable in today’s world.
A child who knows how to navigate smart devices is gaining essential skills for success in future digital learning – and eventually working – environments. Game-like elements help children practice logical thinking and strategic decision-making.
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and Duodecim emphasize a balanced approach to the use of digital devices.
Recommended screen time:
• 0–2 years: screen time should be avoided or used with caution
• 2–5 years: recommended screen time is about one hour per day
• School-aged children: screen time can be a regular part of daily life, but it should be supervised and balanced with other activities
• Adults should also be mindful of their own screen time and model healthy balance
Tip: Shared screen time with a parent supports the child’s learning!
Through digital apps and content, children learn how to search for information. With a parent’s guidance, they also gradually develop media literacy and awareness of online risks.
Even toys have gone digital
The world of digital toys is growing alongside the rest of the digital landscape. These toys offer wide-ranging possibilities and enrich play in many ways.
With AI-powered toys, children can become part of a story in a safe environment, deepening their play experience. You can read our article about AI toys here.
Digital toys expand the boundaries of traditional play. Many come with mobile apps that add an extra layer of fun to the experience.
Various games have also gained digital dimensions, which enhance the overall gameplay. Popular mystery games, for example, now use everyday technology found in nearly every home.
Tip: Smart devices can support creativity! Almost every parent carries in their pocket a full editing toolkit, which can unleash a child’s natural storytelling abilities in entirely new ways.
Learning already happens in digital environments at school
Before starting school, children aren’t expected to master complex technological skills, but having basic digital literacy can make future learning easier.
Here are some key tech skills that can be developed during early childhood:
• Basic use of a touchscreen
• Opening and closing apps
• Navigating a smart device
• Practicing safe and responsible digital behavior
Educational apps that combine play and learning support a child’s cognitive development and help build problem-solving skills.
Balance between two worlds
Routine in the digital world too
Well-rounded parenting means using both the outdoors and the digital environment in the right proportion. For children, having routines and a predictable schedule is always important.
Plan the day so that it includes time for both outdoor play and digital learning. When children know when screen time starts and ends, transitions become easier.
Regular digital breaks – offline moments – are beneficial for all ages. It’s also important to limit a child’s screen time appropriately so they get enough physical activity and social interaction.
An involved parent – even in the digital world
Shared moments are important to a child, both outdoors and in the digital world. A child receives the best support for learning when a parent actively participates.
Spend time together – whether you’re at the playground or exploring a digital adventure. Try out new educational games and apps together. Talk about what’s happening in the game and what your child can learn from it.
It’s important for a child’s self-esteem that an adult sees their skills and unique brilliance. “Give your child the chance to show what they can do,” advises Karolina.
The parent doesn’t need to understand everything – but they can still be curious and interested.
Shared moments play a key role in a child’s development. When parents engage in both outdoor and digital activities, the child has a safe environment to try new things and learn alongside them.
Tip: A parent’s behavior often serves as the best example. Show your child with your actions what balanced and diverse daily life looks like.
In conclusion
Play builds hope for the future! In today’s world, it is the adult’s responsibility to nurture optimism and strengthen what is good. The state of the world is not something children should have to carry. Adults must find ways to ease their own worry cycles and make room for play.
Balance supports a child’s development. Parents play a key role in helping their child find just the right amount of both physical and digital play.
Small everyday choices – like clear routines and shared moments – can have a big impact on a child’s well-being and learning.
This article is a translation. Find the original article in Finnish here.
Explore more of our play-related articles:
The Power of Play – Expert Interview