07/04/07 "Inside Children"

Most of us are aware of the "no child left behind" act. This summer there is a new mantra coming from children's advocates, social services and even big government. It is titled "No Child left Inside" and if you have young children or even grandchildren you need to hear this. I recently went undercover in suburbia, and found it eerily quiet. As I walked through neighborhood after neighborhood there wasn't a munchkin to be seen. There were no children or adolescents playing with puppies, riding bikes or throwing baseballs. This new phenomenon is part of what many are citing as the first generation of "inside children." Thanks to computers, video games and complacent parents this new category has emerged subtly and it should frighten all of us to our core. Going to play outside has become a relic of past generations meaning youth today are out of touch with nature, out of shape physically and emotionally isolated by hours before a computer. The new term "Inside children " makes me think of a title from a horror film only this is a reality show with parents both director and producer.