Zombies on the Run!
- Aug 17, 2024
- 17 min read
Updated: Mar 14
Bridging the Gap: How Innovative Solutions Are Helping Parents Keep Kids Active in a Digital Age
In today's fast-paced world, parents face an increasing challenge: how to encourage their children to engage in active hobbies amidst the allure of smartphones and digital entertainment. This issue isn't just about physical health; it's equally crucial for children's mental well-being and social development. As work demands intensify and the digital world expands, finding solutions to keep kids active has become more important than ever.
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Article summary: Exec Brief
Here's a detailed briefing document based on the provided sources, exploring the main themes and key ideas:
Briefing Document: SeTs ry and Innovative Approaches to Youth Activity and Education
Overview
This document analyses a collection of articles and excerpts primarily focusing on the work of SeTs ry (Specialist Education and Training Services), and their innovative approaches to engaging young people in physical activity, education, and social development. The central themes revolve around bridging gaps between traditional learning, physical activity, and the digital world, with particular emphasis on the challenges and solutions related to children's participation in extracurricular activities.
Key Themes & Ideas
1. The Problem: Work-Life Balance & the Digital Age
Parental Time Constraints: The sources consistently highlight the difficulty parents face in balancing work demands with the need to support their children's activities. The "Zombies on the Run!" article states, "61% of parents report that work commitments are the primary obstacle to encouraging their children's participation in sports and other physical activities." This creates a "work-life balance dilemma," hindering access to family time and active pursuits.
Digital Distraction: The allure of smartphones and digital devices is another major barrier, with children spending an average of "7.5 hours per day on screens for entertainment purposes". This contributes to a sedentary lifestyle, and is linked to increased anxiety and depression amongst young people. As noted in "Zombies on the Run!", "high screen time is associated with a 27% increase in depressive symptoms among adolescents."
The "Zombie" Analogy: The articles use the term "Zombies on the run" to describe both parents stressed by their commitments, and kids engrossed in their phones. This serves as a powerful metaphor for the challenges at hand.
2. SeTs ry: A Holistic Approach to Education & Activity
Functional Education and Exercise: SeTs ry is described as a "functionality specialist with a passion for redefining learning." Their focus is on "functional education and exercise", aiming to deliver cross-functional courses and training programs to bridge "the gaps between knowledge systems, people and cultures."
Hybrid & Experiential Learning: They utilise a "borderless" approach to learning – whether it's online, on-site or hybrid. Their programs "combine education, sports skills, and fitness exercises", as they believe in the interconnectedness of "sound body and sound mind".
Diverse Offerings: SeTs ry offers training and courses in various areas including racquet sports, street arts like parkour, self-defence, security, and functional fitness.
Online Learning Platform: The organisation promotes the convenience and flexibility of online education, with an "LMS (Learning Management System)" for "a structured and interactive learning experience". They view online learning as "a journey of self-discovery and skill enhancement."
Emphasis on Safety & Well-being: They stress that Parkour is not just "tricking" but also about "mobility, speed and flow". Similarly, self-defence is portrayed as "about community and personal growth" with practical physical skills and mental resilience.
3. Hobby Cab: Revolutionizing Transportation & Extracurricular Access
Beyond Transportation: Hobby Cab is presented as more than a transportation service - it's described as a "mobile classroom that extends the learning journey beyond the physical boundaries of a club or training facility."
Edutainment: The journey itself becomes part of the learning experience, with "online entertainment and education tailored to their hobbies". This concept is termed "Edutainment". Tablets are seen as a valuable tool here.
Qualified Driver/Coaches: The drivers are either qualified sports coaches or have "good experience working with kids", promoting social interaction and hobby-related discussions, thereby turning travel time into an opportunity for learning and growth.
Community Building: Hobby Cab fosters "a sense of community and shared experiences", where young people can form "bonds and share knowledge" during the journey, going beyond the mere need for transport.
Collaboration Between Clubs: The "How to DRIVE" article points out the potential for smaller clubs to collaborate in shared transportation schemes, "encourag[ing] the exchange of experience and ideas." This concept also expands on the social learning and networking experience.
Custom Content: Hobby cab also offers custom made content for the kids in transit. "Sports clubs and even parents can FREEly supply their own materials for the kids Edutainment, be that videos or, paper and pens to complete quizzes or other games and exercise based on the hobby or video content, making it even more interactive and social ".
4. "Low Threshold" Programs & Community Impact
Accessibility & Inclusivity: The concept of "Low Threshold" participation programs is introduced as a way to make activities more accessible, regardless of skill level or family circumstances. These initiatives focus on "accessibility, affordability, inclusivity, flexibility." The article provides an example in Finland where participation in youth sports and activities has increased by "30%" as a result.
Community Engagement: These programmes promote increased activity, as "75% of parents believe that community-based programs significantly enhance their children's social skills and friendships"
Free Market Disruption One article does mention that "Low Threshold" type programs can lead to disruption within the market, as it mentions "at least one local dance studio business has gone bankrupt as a result."
5. Technology: Friend or Foe?
Dual Nature of Technology: The sources acknowledge the negative impact of excessive screen time, but also emphasize the positive potential of technology when used thoughtfully for educational purposes and gamified fitness.
Gamification: The article on "Zombies on the Run" cites examples such as "Zombies, Run!" which has seen a "50% increase in users". Whilst these sorts of apps can be beneficial, questions are raised as to whether the workouts are "based on actual and functional fitness theory".
Hobby Cab's Integration: Hobby Cab is highlighted as an example of how technology can be incorporated to enhance rather than detract from activities, as it utilises tech for "in-transit edutainment" purposes.
Quotes & Supporting Evidence
"61% of parents report that work commitments are the primary obstacle to encouraging their children's participation in sports and other physical activities." ("Zombies on the Run!")
"high screen time is associated with a 27% increase in depressive symptoms among adolescents." ("Zombies on the Run!")
"a mobile classroom that extends the learning journey beyond the physical boundaries of a club or training facility." ("How to DRIVE your kids activities")
"Edutainment" ("How to DRIVE your kids activities")
"sound and body, sound and mind," ("What is Sets Ryu...")
"75% of parents believe that community-based programs significantly enhance their children's social skills and friendships" ("How to DRIVE your kids activities")
""30% increase in their overall GPA compared to those who did not participate", in extracurricular activities. ("How to DRIVE your kids activities")
Conclusion
SeTs ry presents a compelling vision for engaging young people in holistic development. They acknowledge the challenges of the modern age - time constraints, digital distractions and the importance of building strong communities. Their solutions, like Hobby Cab, online learning and experiential programs and the concepts of edutainment, demonstrate an understanding of these complex problems, whilst also attempting to address them with innovative solutions. The articles highlight a need for a balanced approach which utilises technology as a means to enhance both education and activity levels amongst young people.
Further Discussion Points
How can the "Low Threshold" approach be scaled and replicated in different communities?
What are the long-term impacts of services like Hobby Cab on youth development?
How can parents and educators work together to balance screen time with physical activity?
How does the design of interactive platforms such as "Zombies, Run!" impact engagement and learning outcomes?
What is the potential impact on local businesses of government initiatives like "Low Threshold"?
This briefing document provides a foundation for understanding the concepts and initiatives discussed in the sources, inviting further exploration and discussion of these important topics.
The Work-Life Balance Dilemma
Many parents find themselves caught in a difficult balancing act. Long work hours and demanding careers often leave little time for organizing and participating in their children's activities. According to a study by the American Psychological Association (2020), **61% of parents** report that work commitments are the primary obstacle to encouraging their children's participation in sports and other physical activities (APA, 2020). The upshot is that parents often feel as much like Zombies on the run, as we think our kids are Zombies on their 'Smart' phones.
This time crunch isn't just affecting parents' ability to transport children to activities. It's also impacting the quality time families can spend together being active. Family bike rides, hikes, or even a game of catch in the backyard are becoming increasingly rare occurrences in many households.
The Digital Distraction
While parents struggle with time management, children face their own set of challenges. The prevalence of smartphones and digital devices has created a generation that's more connected than ever – but often at the expense of physical activity and in-person interaction. Statistics show that children aged **8 to 18** spend an average of **7.5 hours per day** on screens for entertainment purposes (Rideout & Robb, 2019).
This sedentary lifestyle isn't just a physical health concern. Excessive screen time has been linked to issues with mental health, including increased rates of anxiety and depression among youth. A meta-analysis by Twenge and Campbell (2018) found that high screen time is associated with a **27% increase** in depressive symptoms among adolescents.
Innovative Solutions: The 'Low Threshold' Approach
Recognizing these challenges, some local authorities are taking innovative steps to address the issue. In Finland, the cities of Vantaa, Espoo, and Helsinki have implemented 'Low Threshold' participation programs. These initiatives aim to make it easier for children to engage in physical and social activities, regardless of their skill level or family circumstances.
The 'Low Threshold' concept focuses on:
1. **Accessibility**: Providing activities in various neighborhoods, reducing transportation barriers.
2. **Affordability**: Offering free or low-cost options to ensure economic factors don't prevent participation.
3. **Inclusivity**: Welcoming children of all skill levels, emphasizing fun over competition.
4. **Flexibility**: Offering drop-in sessions that don't require long-term commitments, accommodating busy family schedules.
Many local coaches and clubs, including SeTs ry have been active in these programmes, providing ball games, Parkour and even self-defence training for school kids as part of the school afternoon group programmes.
For example, Parkour is about much more than just tricking and death defying stunts, these are for the olympic level dare doers of the FreeRunning crowd. In practice, for the rest of us, its all about mobility, speed and flow. It combines hand in glove with self-defence training, dealing with confidence, risk and fear management as well as body control and social skills. Recent work projects have included football coaching in which football skills are combined with functional fitness training and even includes skill lessons taken from both Parkour and self-defence. Football is afterall, a physical contact sport that requires both ball and man (opponent) management skills. See video Functional Football Fitness Training >>. As always, there are common areas between the activities from which insights and lessons can be gained in both directions.
Early results from these programs are promising. In Vantaa, participation in youth sports and activities has increased by **30%** since the implementation of the 'Low Threshold' approach (Finnish Ministry of Education, 2023). However, it can also have negative consequences related to free market disruption and distortion. At least one local dance studio business has gone bankrupt as a result.
Revolutionizing Transportation: The Hobby Cab Concept
While local authorities work on making activities more accessible, innovative private solutions are also emerging. One such solution is **Hobby Cab**, a revolutionary transportation service that's redefining how children get to and from their extracurricular activities.
Hobby Cab isn't just about transportation; it's a mobile classroom that extends the learning journey beyond the physical boundaries of a club or training facility. As young enthusiasts travel to and from their training classes, they're immersed in a world of online entertainment and education tailored to their hobbies. This innovative approach transforms travel time into a valuable extension of their hobby pursuits, as explained in the Hobby Cab Blog Article >>.
The service is suitable for clubs wishing to transport students to training, teams to competitions, and even special events, along with any necessary training equipment. While it primarily addresses the needs of parents struggling with work-life balance and transporting their kids to hobbies, Hobby Cab's potential extends far beyond this role.
By providing a safe, educational, and entertaining transportation option, Hobby Cab helps overcome several barriers:
1. Time constraints for busy parents.
2. Transportation challenges, especially for families without vehicles.
3. The need for continuous learning and engagement in hobbies.
4. Social inclusion and community building among young enthusiasts.
Moreover, Hobby Cab fosters a sense of community among its users. It's not just about the destination; it's about the bonds formed, the knowledge shared, and the joy experienced during the journey.
You can read more about how Hobby Cab is actually doing this in the blog article about it. Read more >>
The Role of Technology: Friend or Foe?
While excessive screen time is a concern, innovative solutions like Hobby Cab demonstrate that technology can be part of the solution when used thoughtfully. By providing educational content related to children's hobbies during transit, it turns potentially wasted time into an opportunity for learning and growth.
Other tech solutions are also gaining traction. Apps and platforms that gamify physical activities or connect families with local sports groups are seeing increased adoption. For instance, the app **Zombies, Run!** has seen a **50% increase in users** over the past year, with **75% of parents** reporting that it has helped their children become more active (Smith, 2023). The game includes so-called 'Workouts', Races and special missions. But is this just words, or are the workouts and races based on actual and functional fitness theory?
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Keeping Kids Active
The challenges of keeping children engaged in active hobbies in today's digital age are complex, but solutions are emerging. From government initiatives like 'Low Threshold' programs to innovative private sector solutions like Hobby Cab, a multi-faceted approach is key.
Parents, educators, and community leaders must work together to create environments that make active hobbies accessible, engaging, and compatible with modern family life. By embracing both traditional methods and innovative technologies, we can help ensure that the next generation grows up healthy, active, and socially connected.
Don't just sit there, get active, before your kids also turn into Zombies on the run!
Contribute to the debate if not the solutions. What are your thoughts and experiences on this topic.
Do you think game apps like Zombies run are a part of the solution, or even a good idea given concerns about its predecessors such as Pokemon Go? Or are they just another form of capitalist opportunism?
Would it make a difference if games like 'Zombie run' are designed workouts and races based on actual and functional fitness theory?
Does Zombie run raise any concerns about safety, such as running across busy roads without looking, or making risky Parkour jumps to escape the Zombies?
Can more socially interactive solutions such as Hobby Cab provide a viable contribution to the portfolio of solutions, or is it just another drop in the ocean?
Is it wise to incorporate smart phones and other digital technology into the solutions, or should all or part (aspects of) social media be banned for all kids under the age of 18 as is currently being discussed in the UK and elsewhere? Or, is it enough to just ban digital devices and media from schools?
LEARN MORE...
Write your replies in the discussion forum for a more informed debate, and
Have you got your own Zombies on the Run? Join in the discussion in this post >>
Read and leave comments and feedback on the Hobby Cab blog article >>
To book a Hobby Cab, CLICK HERE >>
References
Citations
[1] https://norden.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1265024/FULLTEXT02.pdf
[2] https://eavi.eu/parenting-in-the-digital-age/
[4] https://thehyperstack.com/blog/ensuring-digital-equity-bridging-the-gap-in-online-education/
[5] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/engaging-parents-digital-age-strengthening-part-i-alexandru-holicov
Glossary of Key Terms
Edutainment: The fusion of education and entertainment, often used in the context of delivering learning material in an engaging and enjoyable format.
Experiential Learning: The process of learning through doing and reflecting on experiences; often emphasizes hands-on activities and real-world applications.
Functional Education: A practical and holistic approach to education that focuses on the application of knowledge and skills in real-life contexts, combining physical and mental training to develop the individual.
Hybrid Learning: A method of education that blends online learning with traditional, in-person instruction, often in a way that can be adapted to the needs of a specific student or group.
Hobby Cab: A transportation service that acts as a mobile classroom, enriching travel to and from activities with educational entertainment and community-building opportunities.
Low Threshold Programs: Initiatives designed to reduce barriers (such as costs, accessibility and skill level) to participation in physical and social activities, aiming to make it easier for children to engage in these opportunities.
Mobile Classroom: A learning environment that can be transported, often referring to a vehicle equipped for educational purposes. In the case of Hobby Cab, it's a way to extend learning beyond a classroom or training facility by creating an learning environment during transit.
Parkour: A discipline that involves moving through an environment in a fluid and efficient manner, often using running, jumping, and climbing skills, sometimes referred to as Free Running.
SeTs Ryu: The name that distinguishes the education business, SETS, from other organisations with similar names, the word 'Ryu' means 'school' in Japanese.
Screen Time: The amount of time a person spends using devices with a screen such as a smartphone, computer, or tablet, which can be of significant concern if it becomes excessive.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the core philosophy of SeTs ry, and how does it approach education and training?
SeTs ry, or Specialist Education and Training Services, focuses on "functional education and exercise" with the goal of breaking down silos between knowledge systems, people, and cultures. They aim to provide cross-functional courses and training programs that combine education, sports skills, and fitness exercises in an experiential and borderless way – whether online, on-site, or hybrid. Their motto is "sound and body, sound and mind", promoting holistic well-being through game-enriched learning for all ages. They see learning and development as a journey of self-discovery and skill enhancement, building confidence and a sense of empowerment.
2. What is "Hobby Cab" and how does it address challenges in children's extracurricular activities?
Hobby Cab is an innovative transportation service designed to facilitate access to extracurricular activities. It is more than just transport; it is a mobile classroom that transforms travel time into a valuable extension of the learning experience. As children travel to their hobbies, they are immersed in online entertainment and education related to those hobbies. Hobby Cab aims to address challenges such as busy parental schedules, lack of transport options, and the desire to make travel time productive through "Edutainment". It also seeks to foster community and social interaction among children with shared interests. Drivers are experienced sports coaches, promoting social learning through interaction.
3. How does Hobby Cab integrate "Edutainment" into its services?
Hobby Cab’s “Edutainment” is delivered through a variety of media, such as custom-made videos, interactive learning modules, and even traditional pen and paper quizzes or games, all tailored to the hobbies of the children. The idea is to turn potentially lost travel time into opportunities for learning and engagement. This content is provided online, or even directly by the club or parents. The goal is to make the journey to activities almost as active and fun as the activity itself. The use of mobile phones is discouraged, whilst the use of tablets for group activities are highly encouraged. This content is not only educational but also helps promote conversations with the coaches and other children.
4. What is the "Low Threshold" approach to youth participation, and how does it connect with SeTs ry's work?
The "Low Threshold" approach, implemented in cities like Vantaa, Espoo, and Helsinki, aims to remove barriers to youth participation in physical and social activities. It focuses on accessibility, affordability, inclusivity, and flexibility to encourage participation regardless of skill level or family circumstances. SeTs ry and its coaches have actively participated in these programs, providing various sports, parkour, and self-defence training to school children as part of after school programs, reflecting their commitment to making learning and development available to all.
5. How do digital distractions impact children’s physical activity, and how does SeTs ry respond to this challenge?
Excessive screen time has been linked to reduced physical activity, mental health issues, and a decrease in in-person interaction. Children spend a significant amount of time using screens for entertainment, leading to a sedentary lifestyle. SeTs ry responds to this by creating activities that combine learning with physical movement and interaction and in using technology to enhance learning and engagement. The goal is to provide holistic experiences that promote both physical and mental well-being. Hobby Cab also provides an important transport alternative for busy parents and thereby reduces stress on both them and their kids, and makes it easier to attend activities.
6. How does SeTs ry utilise online education and what are the benefits of this approach?
SeTs ry employs online education to provide flexible and accessible learning opportunities that extend beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Online platforms allow individuals to learn at their own pace and schedule regardless of their location. The use of Learning Management Systems provides a structured and interactive learning environment. Specific courses also include those related to parkour, self-defence, and fitness, often broken down into manageable steps with online demonstrations. This method increases reach and encourages more people to participate.
7. How does SeTs ry integrate physical fitness with other training programs, and what does this achieve?
SeTs ry integrates fitness into various training programs such as ball sports and street art. For example, football coaching can include parkour and self-defence techniques. Self-defence is not just about competition, but about collaborative learning and personal growth, incorporating risk awareness, conflict management, and coping skills. This integrated approach highlights the commonalities between different disciplines and creates a more well-rounded and functional training program. This approach also helps participants to understand risk and safety issues.
8. What are the potential benefits of collaborative approaches to hobby clubs, and how does Hobby Cab facilitate this?
Collaborative hobby clubs can offer enhanced services and be more competitive by exchanging experiences and ideas. This can improve the quality of training and create a more social environment. Hobby Cab facilitates this by allowing children from different clubs and hobbies to travel together. It thereby increases potential social learning and networking and may even encourage inter-club visits to increase both fun and learning opportunities. This may also help clubs share content, knowledge, and resources.
Quiz Answers
Answer Key for Short Answer Quiz
Hobby Cab is a transportation service that acts as a "mobile classroom," providing education and entertainment during transit to and from children's activities. Its primary aim is to alleviate the time and logistical burdens for parents in getting their kids to extracurricular events.
"Edutainment," in the context of Hobby Cab, is the integration of education and entertainment during travel time, making the journey an extension of the hobby itself. This includes online content, quizzes, and discussions related to the children's activities.
The sources indicate that children who participate in structured extracurricular activities experience a 20% increase in their overall GPA and improved social skills compared to those who do not participate.
The 'Low Threshold' approach is a strategy implemented in Finland focusing on accessibility, affordability, inclusivity, and flexibility to encourage children's participation in physical and social activities.
'SeTs Ryu' distinguishes the education business, SETS, from other organisations with similar names, 'Ryu' means 'school' in Japanese.
Online platforms offer accessible and convenient ways to learn complex movements through tutorials, demonstrations, and guidance. This can enable learners to focus on technique and safety at their own pace.
When used thoughtfully, technology can transform travel time into learning time via educational content, gamification, and the potential for social connection. These approaches can help in motivating children to become active and build communities.
The sources reveal concerns that excessive screen time and digital media consumption are associated with mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, as well as reduced physical activity and in-person interactions.
Hobby Cab is designed to foster community by turning travel into shared experiences, encouraging the formation of bonds and knowledge sharing during the journey. Collaborative club busses can include kids from various clubs and hobbies, which greatly adds to the potential social learning and networking experience.
The app 'Zombies, Run!' is a gamified physical activity platform that uses the story of running away from zombies to encourage the user to engage in exercise. It is relevant as it demonstrates one technological solution for getting kids moving.
Test your comprehension and write your own blog article or essay on the subject
Essay Questions
Discuss the challenges that contemporary families face in encouraging their children to engage in active hobbies. Explore both work-life balance constraints and the influence of digital technology on children's lifestyles. Consider the specific solutions presented in the text (i.e. Hobby Cab, Low Threshold initiatives) and assess their suitability for mitigating these challenges.
Critically evaluate the role of technology in addressing the issue of children’s physical inactivity. How can digital tools and platforms (e.g., Zombies, Run! app, online learning and entertainment options in Hobby Cab) be both a solution and a cause of the problem? Explore the opportunities and limitations of technology in this context and suggest recommendations for best practice.
Analyse the benefits and challenges of experiential and hybrid learning as discussed in the context of SeTs Ryu and Hobby Cab, in education settings and extracurricular activities. Compare and contrast traditional and modern methods in both educational and physical training contexts.
Considering both governmental approaches (such as the ‘Low Threshold’ programmes) and private sector initiatives (such as Hobby Cab) , assess how community, and participation in sports and hobbies can be promoted effectively to enhance social inclusion and overall wellbeing. Evaluate the efficacy and sustainability of these approaches.
Examine the ethos of ‘functional’ education and training as presented in the text, with a focus on SeTs Ryu. How does this philosophy contrast with traditional methods of education and training? What are the potential long-term effects for individuals and the community, in implementing such an approach?
Compare your essay with one generated by ChatGPT or, Perplexity etc. Ask for a model answer and then compare it yo your own work for feedback. Share your results and learning with the rest of us in the discussion forums.
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