Khaberni - In a reality where screens have become a part of children's daily lives from an early age, there is increasing debate about the type of games that accompany childhood and their impact on social development. While digital devices provide quick entertainment, recent research suggests that traditional toys still play an important role in developing imagination and the ability to understand others.
In this context, psychologist Sarah Gerson studied the impact of the type of play on children's social skills. She concluded that symbolic activities, such as playing with dolls, contribute to developing fundamental capabilities that help a child understand the thoughts and feelings of others.
Gerson explains, in statements reported by "The Guardian", that "children who play with dolls learn to imagine the thoughts and feelings of others, while children who play with tablets tend to play alone." She adds that this difference not only changes the style of play but also affects the development of essential social skills from an early age.
The study was based on an experiment that involved 73 children aged between 4 and 8 years. Researchers divided the participants into two groups, the first received "Barbie" and "Ken" dolls with their accessories, while the second group used a tablet equipped with digital games.
During the study period, researchers observed the children's behavior at home and in dedicated sessions, focusing on their ability to understand others' beliefs and emotions. The results showed that children who played with dolls displayed higher levels of empathy and social thinking, especially in situations that required recognizing that others may have different perspectives.
The diaries recorded by the families revealed that children who used dolls were more inclined to play with siblings, parents, or friends, while users of tablets tended to engage in solitary play most of the time. Researchers also noticed a greater use of language associated with emotions, desires, and thoughts during play with dolls.
Experts suggest that these results have reopened the debate on the role of screens in children's lives. While specialists agree that technology is not inherently negative, they emphasize the importance of achieving a balance between it and social, creative games that help children build essential emotional and humane skills in their everyday lives.
