Exploring Childhood Without Digital Distractions
As the Game Boy Advance turns 23 years old this month, we’re reminded of how technology has transformed childhood experiences over the years. When the Game Boy made its debut in 2001, it marked the beginning of a new era for children, providing them with portable gaming. But what about those who grew up without screens or those whose childhood was not as digitally immersed?
In the 2000s, children in Singapore still spent plenty of time outside. “We stayed in an HDB flat, so there were multiple playgrounds in our area or across the street. We played badminton, went cycling, and played soccer with our neighbors,” recalls Shannie, 36, reflecting on her childhood days when playdates and outdoor games were the norm.
Kiwi, whose childhood involved an active lifestyle, remembers spending hours hanging upside down from monkey bars, learning parkour, and cycling along steep slopes. She was also a bookworm who loved reading and drawing, skills that helped shape her imagination and creativity. “I was super active as a kid too,” she shares, “always climbing something and learning new tricks.”
Others recall spending their time with more structured activities. Janine, 25, fondly remembers hide-and-seek games and performances for family members. Tania, 20, who grew up with limited access to TV, turned to books, music, and playing the piano to fill her time. She didn’t own a phone until much later and enjoyed the simplicity of life without constant digital distractions.
For Bryan, 33, books were his constant companion, often taking him on trips to libraries or reading during family outings. His love for graphic novels and comics turned into a lifelong passion. He fondly recalls his time exploring superhero lore, which now serves as his trivia weapon at social gatherings.
While some kids used their imagination to create stories and pretend games, others discovered joy in simpler pleasures like watching movies or playing video games. For instance, Bryan was hooked on playing StarCraft with cheat codes, and his excitement peaked when pirated VCDs of new films appeared in his home. Despite limited access to technology, the mystery and thrill of discovering new media were just as exhilarating.
Today, screens are an integral part of childhood, but back then, kids made their own fun. Whether playing sports, reading books, or inventing games, childhood in Singapore was a time of creativity, socializing, and exploration without the constant pull of digital devices.
