Most of the children in the capital are growing up isolated, self-centred and emotionally vulnerable due to having no outdoors activities.
For not having sufficient playground in the capital children spend time in front of television, laptop or computer that creates pressure on their eyes and many children are suffering from obesity.
Children’s mental growth is also hampered as they do not get the chance to meet other children, according to psychologists.
On the other hand the self-centric attitudes badly impact on their social, professional and family lives.
Rafiul Islam, a class five student and a residence of Malibagh area, told this correspondent that they have a playground on their school and they play on it during the Tiffin break and before the class starts.
He also said “I love to play on the ground but here is no playground near my residence I used to spend my free time before television or playing games on tab or computer.”
Like Rafiul many children are now passing their free times in this ways as they do not have other alternatives.
When contacted, Farzana Hasan, an eye doctor of Bangladesh Eye Hospital, said “Now a days children are also suffering from various eye complications. As they cannot go outside for sports, they spend time in front of television, tab, mobile, laptop or computer that creates pressure on their eyes and eventually their sights.”
“Everyday a number of children come to us with these kinds of problem” she added.
The fields and parks are of utmost importance for the daily life of every city dweller. The open space is one of many amenities the city dwellers must have.
Along with the inadequate number of playgrounds and parks in the city, most of all the schools in Dhaka do not have open space.
At present, more than 16 million inhabitants, does not have adequate number of playgrounds and parks in the capital.
Natural Reservoir Conservation Act, 2000 states that every inch of playground, open space, and park will be considered as protected areas. But most of the playgrounds are now being illegally occupied.
When contacted, Professor Shaheen Islam, Chairman Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology University of Dhaka, told this correspondent that “Outdoors activities played an important role for children’s development.”
“It is very much related with children’s psychological, physical and social growth” she added.
She said, “By playing with their friends, children learn social interaction, problem solving and leadership skills. They grow up with a feeling that they belong to a community, which is of their own.”
She warns of the psychological impact of children growing up without having anywhere to play outdoors or come together as a community.
“There will be catastrophic effects. Too many children in Dhaka are growing up isolated, self-centred and emotionally vulnerable” she added, reports BSS.
