C
hildren today are constantly criticized for their consumption for technology. Video game consoles, televisions, computers, tablets, or any other device of their choosing have become their medium for entertainment.
There is a call for today’s youth to put down technology and to go outside and play. Yet, this is becoming increasingly difficult.
In August, police had intervened to stop kids from playing a street hockey game in a Montreal suburb. And in Toronto anyone can be subject to a $55 fine for playing the neighbourhood version of the national sport.
Now, tobogganing is facing similar scrutiny.
Children in Hamilton could face a maximum of a $2,000 fine for tobogganing because the city has banned the winter sport.
In Orangeville, residents ignored the “No tobogganing” sign, which, according to CTV, was installed because the hill is not insured.
Don’t expect, however, to see a complete ban on sledding in Ottawa anytime soon.
In a recent report in the Ottawa Sun, Innes Ward councillor and Ottawa’s first ever sports commissioner Jody Mitic said he is completely against a ban on the popular winter activity.
No, instead of a ban, Ottawa is putting restrictions on tobogganing in the city.
The city has opened 57 designated hills and additionally, on its website, provided a list of things to do and avoid while sledding.
There is a strong possibility helmets could become mandatory in the near future for youngsters sledding. Which would be curious seeing as helmets are not even required, merely strongly recommended, on skating rinks in the city.
Injuries in tobogganing happen, as in any sport.
Forty per cent of tobogganing injuries in Canada happen to children between five and nine years of age and 20 per cent of those injuries are concussions or broken bones, according to the City of Ottawa website. But when did it become so prudent that children do not hurt themselves?
Risk of injury is a part of daily life. Often, risk is part of the fun.
Instead of sheltering kids and putting pads on them, teach them to be able to assess risks and play within their boundaries.
More important, children need to learn that injuries are normal. Cuts, scrapes and broken bones will heal.
Accidents will happen. No matter what the activity or how much protective equipment is used, there will be someone who gets hurt.
So, the question is simple. How far will children be limited in how they can spend their leisure time?
Treasure their imagination, the creativity to take their surroundings and turn it into their playground.
Canada has public healthcare. Society is set up to mend the broken bones. We do not need to insure every aspect of life.
Let the kids be kids. Let them be free to play.
Or create a tobogganing video game – then everyone can complain they play it too much.