The idea to retire the famous playground comes from Ikea Singapore. Although many believe it’s traditional April Fools’ Day
Ikea Singapore posted news on Facebook yesterday that it will turn its famous Småland playground into a “press-play-ground” equipped with tablets for everyone. The reason? Studies have revealed that “children prefer tablets to physical activity.” Is it a joke or reality?
Few people thought it was a joke, also because the news has been made known in a very professional way with photos, not on April 1 but on March 31. A credible idea, in short, to go digital in an increasingly digital world. The reaction of parents was not long in coming with a chorus of indignant posts. Some have threatened to bring, from now on, their children to do the shopping with them, instead of leaving them at the mercy of a tablet screen. Others, have thought it could be an April Fool’s joke, but then they have been convinced that it was not possible and the comment has been “what a big disappointment!!!”
Joking or reality?
The list of comments to the post of the Ikea of Singapore counts in this moment almost one thousand answers, the great majority negative. Some also very serious and articulate. Like that of a therapist who works with children who explains that at that age they need to run, jump, play, socialize and have fun. All of this – the therapist continues – is very negative for their development. And she asks Ikea, very seriously, to reconsider. There are, however, those who have immediately smelled the joke and write: “I know what you’re doing, Ikea. Are you preparing for tomorrow’s April Fools’ Day?” To make one think of a joke are especially the answers provided by Ikea in Singapore to alarmed parents. Here’s an example for everyone. A mom worries that if kids are totally immersed in tablet use, will Ikea staff be able to intervene if they get hurt? And Ikea responds, “Hey Serene, our team is fully trained and prepared to respond to all types of finger injuries.”