Every November 20, Rwanda joins the world in celebration of International Children’s Day. This occasion is built around the idea that children have the right to participate, to learn, and to grow in safe, stimulating environments. Alongside that global call, major health bodies say that young children should spend less time restrained or passively watching screens and more time in active, imaginative play — because those hours build motor skills, social skills and early thinking. ALSO READ: Rwandans called to promote positive parenting, child rights The World Health Organization (WHO)’s guidelines for children under five explicitly recommend limiting screen-based sedentary time and increasing active play for healthy development. A 2025 systematic review that pooled studies on screen exposure and motor development in children aged roughly 0–7 years found that the majority of included studies reported a negative association between longer screen time and motor skill outcomes—in other words, more screen hours often went hand-in-hand with weaker gross and fine motor development. Similarly, a 2025 cross-sectional study in Children (MDPI) reported inverse correlations between screen use and motor performance — children with higher daily screen use tended to score lower on motor-ability assessments — and urged caregivers to promote active play to support healthy development. Speaking to The New Times, Modest Nsanzamahoro, a teacher at a daycare in Gisozi said that screens should not be the first resort when children need occupying or soothing. “Instead of handing children a phone, buy them good toys — things designed to help them think, to challenge them, to grow,” Nsanzamahoro said. “Give them materials that teach them to use their hands and their heads, and encourage them to play with others.” Nsanzamahoro also urged that parents should help children master “complex” stationery and low-tech tools to strengthen fine motor control, sequencing and creative thinking in ways screens often do not. “Parents should let children use things like scissors, glue, beads, and colored pencils.These simple tools help them learn how to use their hands, think creatively, and solve problems — something a phone can’t do for them,” she noted. ALSO READ: Day of the African Child: How protecting education secures peace, safety for children According to Ritah Uwera, co-founder of Toddler Care, a toy manufacturing company, defines the right to play for children aged between two and six years old as more than just leisure; it presents challenges that result in quick adaptation, which significantly contributes to their growth. “We’re inspired to be a part of the solution in raising brighter children. Toys play a big role in this younger generation thinking outside the box, which is the primary importance of playing for them,” she said. Toddle Care has been operating for nine years. Over the last three years, the Made in Rwanda company has served over 3,000 kindergarten schools. Despite this extensive experience, there is still room for improvement, as they observe that parents are adding items to their budgets to include toys for their children. “40 percent of our clients' parents are Rwandan. This reflects that the number of children who are given time to play is still low. I think there is a need for advocacy to share the importance of the right to play for kids,” Uwera noted.
