“Go Back to Play” - the Traditional Game As a Tool in the Artistic and Creative Therapies for Mental Health in the Environment of Contemporary Digital Overdose

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the negative effects of screen time on the well-being of educators, students, and parents. As children returned to in-person schooling in Spain in 2022, it became clear that traditional games could foster emotional and social intelligence, essential in our digital age. These games encourage disconnection from screens, promote eye contact, and facilitate collective interaction through play, dance, and singing.

Observations of children aged 0 to 3 years revealed how traditional play can address transgenerational issues and community bonds. In the evolving educational landscape, teachers are becoming mediators of relationships and contexts rather than mere transmitters of theoretical content. This shift aligns with innovative educational approaches, such as forest schools, punk education, AXÉ pedagogy, artthinking, which emphasize the importance of traditional games in fostering an integrated society.

In Brazil, it is crucial to review classroom practices with a focus on well-being, integrating traditional games into the curriculum while also addressing anti-racist education as outlined in Law 10.639 (BRAZIL, 2003). Reviving traditional play helps to challenge screen dependence and fosters a deeper understanding of cultural narratives.

Ultimately, how we engage with the world matters. Emphasizing respectful interactions and community connection through traditional games can shape students' values and behaviors, leading to a healthier society. By prioritizing play and storytelling, we can cultivate empathy and respect, preparing future generations to interact positively with both people and their environment. These educational choices will significantly influence how students navigate their lives beyond school, emphasizing the need for thoughtful, inclusive practices in our educational systems.