The iPad Ate Their Imagination!

I guess many of you will agree here about how times have changed and the impact of that on the new generation. There was a time when kids turned empty boxes into rocket ships and gave dramatic monologues with a sock puppet. Now? Most stare at a screen like they’re decoding ancient runes… with their mouths slightly open.

I’ve seen it. I work with kids. I love their wild ideas, their messy art, their weird questions about flying cats and purple oceans. But lately, I’ve noticed something: the more time they spend glued to devices, the less their imaginations show up. It’s like the iPad gently smothered their creativity while playing Cocomelon on loop.

Now don’t get me wrong, technology isn’t evil. It has its place (especially when adults need a breather or a hot cup of tea without being asked why clouds exist for the 10th time). But the constant digital noise leaves little room for kids to get bored, and boredom is where the magic begins. That’s where monsters are invented and entire worlds come alive with nothing but a crayon and a bit of floor space.

To shake things up, I started running speed art relays - fast-paced, playful challenges where kids have to create under pressure with random materials and zero time to overthink. It’s loud, chaotic, and absolutely beautiful. No filters, no “undo” button, just pure, unfiltered imagination in action. Watching them laugh, scribble, tear paper, and invent wild characters on the spot has reminded me just how alive their creativity really is. It just needed a nudge (and maybe a glue stick or ten).

Because deep down, their imaginations are still there. Sometimes, they just need the Wi-Fi to go out long enough to find them.

Have you noticed a change in how your kids (or students) play and create?
Do you have fun ways to break the screen spell and bring imagination back to life?

I’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences, or ideas in the comments below! Let’s swap stories, and maybe a few glitter-covered tips.