Many city children are taken to shopping malls by their parents during the summer.
PHOTO: THANH NAM
"I want to go to the shopping mall to play games."
Mr. Tran Duc Nhan (32 years old), a parent of a student at Nguyen Thai Binh Primary School (Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City), said that when he asked his two children, who are in grades 2 and 5, "Where do you want to go this summer?", both answered, "I want to go to the shopping mall." Mr. Nhan said that this answer reminded him of his own childhood. Those were summer days when he would sneak away from his afternoon nap to catch cicadas, ride his bicycle all over the neighborhood in the afternoon, or follow his grandparents to the fields or play in the rain with his friends. "But now, my children's summer is almost entirely confined to our apartment, air-conditioned rooms, and phone screens. My wife and I often jokingly call it a 'cold summer'."
Mr. Nhân's story is no exception; many parents in the city observe a similar reality: summer for children is becoming "colder" than ever before.
Staying home on a summer day, watching YouTube.
PHOTO: THANH NAM
Mr. Nguyen Hoai Viet (36 years old, residing on Linh Trung Street, Linh Xuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City; formerly Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City) said that his 7th-grade son has only been watching YouTube and playing games in his room since the summer break. He then switched to watching short videos on social media. "He does this every day. If we ban his phone, I don't know what else to let him do because it's too hot outside," Mr. Viet shared.
Meanwhile, Ms. Le Thi Anh Tuyet (31 years old, residing in Opal Garden apartment complex (Hiep Binh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City; formerly Hiep Binh Chanh Ward, Thu Duc City)) has a different option for her children. Every weekend, Ms. Tuyet says her family takes the two children to the shopping mall. The children play in the indoor playground, watch movies, eat, and then go home. "The air conditioning is cool, it's safe, there's security, and there are many games. Honestly, parents like me feel very reassured," Ms. Tuyet said.
Many shopping malls have become popular summer getaways for children. For many families, they are practically the primary play area for their kids.
Some argue that the summer in the city is... cold, because children love going to shopping malls and supermarkets...
PHOTO: THANH NAM
Summer is cold, why?
But alongside this convenience, many parents are beginning to realize that their children are having less and less contact with nature.
"I was startled to find out that my son didn't know what a flame tree was, even though he saw one every day. He had never caught grasshoppers or flown a kite. Experiences that my generation considered normal now seem alien to him," said Huynh Thu Thuy (34 years old, working at HuyLee Studio & Academy, Long Truong Ward, Ho Chi Minh City; formerly Phu Huu Ward, Thu Duc City).
According to many parents, prolonged hot weather is one of the biggest causes. Days when outdoor temperatures exceed 35-37 degrees Celsius make parents hesitant to let their children go outside for exercise. The fear of heatstroke, traffic accidents, drowning, or other safety risks leads many families to choose the safest option: staying indoors.
Children reading books at the bookstore.
PHOTO: THANH NAM
According to Mr. Hoang Duc Phu (34 years old, working on Cong Hoa Street, Tan Binh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City; formerly Ward 13, Tan Binh District), another reason is the irresistible allure of technology. "Nowadays, children can connect with friends, entertain themselves, and learn with just a phone. Video games are designed vividly and constantly updated with new content, making it difficult for many children to leave the screen," Mr. Phu said, adding: "My child says they still play with friends at home because they can video call or play games together. But I feel that's a very different kind of connection compared to meeting in person."
What is being lost?
Many experts believe the problem lies not in children's use of technology, but in the imbalance between the digital world and real life.
Psychologist Ha Quang Tung, from the Viet Tam Psychological Counseling Center (An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City; formerly An Phu Ward, Thu Duc City), believes that children need physical activity, exploration , and social interaction to develop comprehensively.
"When children spend too much time in enclosed spaces, they may experience physical health problems such as being overweight, obese, and nearsighted. At the same time, their communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability to real-world environments are also affected," Mr. Tung analyzed.
The recreational activities at the shopping mall attract children.
PHOTO: THANH NAM
According to Mr. Tung, outdoor experiences help children learn many lessons that screens cannot replace. For example, a field trip teaches children how to observe nature. A football match helps children learn teamwork. Getting lost in the park under adult supervision can help children develop problem-solving skills. "These experiences are an important part of childhood," Mr. Tung said.
Psychologist Do Thi Phuong Diem, from the Choi Non Psychological Development Center (Binh Tien Ward, Ho Chi Minh City; formerly Ward 1, District 6), believes that it's not necessary to take children back to the countryside or on expensive trips to have a meaningful summer. "The important thing is to create opportunities for children to step away from screens. Parents can start with simple things like walking in the park with their children, cycling early in the morning, participating in sports activities, or gardening," Ms. Diem shared.
According to experts, parents should encourage their children to participate in outdoor activities.
PHOTO: THANH NAM
In fact, some families choose to take their children to libraries, museums, children's cultural centers, or participate in short-term experiential programs. Mr. Tran Minh Quan (32 years old, residing on Pham Van Bach Street, Tan Son Ward, Ho Chi Minh City; formerly Ward 15, Tan Binh District) said: "I enrolled my child in a pottery and gardening course. Initially, the child didn't like it because they were used to using their phone, but after a few sessions, they became very enthusiastic."
According to experts, parents should also establish rules for the use of electronic devices during the summer. A complete ban is not advisable, as technology still offers many positive benefits. Instead, reasonable usage limits should be set, and children should be encouraged to participate in other activities.
"Families can create a 'summer map' with their children, setting specific goals such as reading, learning to swim, participating in volunteer activities, exploring a new place, or learning a new skill. Involving children in planning will help them feel more engaged and responsible," Ms. Diem added.
Children in the countryside follow their parents to herd cattle and work in the fields during the summer.
PHOTO: THANH NAM
Psychologist Ha Quang Tung observes: "Shopping malls, air conditioning, or electronic devices are not the 'culprits' causing childhood to change. What matters is how to prevent children from being completely trapped in those enclosed spaces. Because childhood is not only created from hours of entertainment in front of screens, but also from laughter with friends, exploring the world around them, real-life experiences, and simple memories under the summer sky."
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/mua-he-lanh-dang-dien-ra-o-tphcm-185260601144747704.htm
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