The young artist after the "prohibition" of not playing with her children: "They may think that phones are more important than them"
Natalia Ripoll Ortolà, a young 22-year-old student of Fine Arts, is the mind behind the viral posters that appeared in the parks of Dénia inviting fathers and mothers to abandon their phones to focus on their children. An awareness project that arises from the careful observation of prohibition signs in natural parks and the behavior of adults with children in these places.
The project, which Dénia.com echoed a few days ago, consists of the design and placement of posters in which a sign prohibiting mobile phones accompanied by the phrase "It is forbidden not to play with your children" in five parks in Dénia: Parque de La Pedrera, Plaza Jaume I, Torrecremada, Chabàs and La Via. These posters seek to make users reflect on the way we relate to children and the quality time we dedicate to them. It focuses especially on mothers and fathers who, in moments of impatience, resort to using mobile phones, giving them to children from an early age to keep them entertained, or those adults who immerse themselves in screens, neglecting to pay attention to the little ones.
After the intervention in the parks, Ripoll carried out an analysis of user behavior. He noted that, despite the presence of the signs, many parents continue to pay more attention to electronic devices than to their own children. Additionally, she observed situations where children played alone while their parents were busy with their cell phones.
The artist also witnessed scenes where children played with plastic weapons, being recorded by one of them while shooting a friend. This phenomenon highlights the influence of adults' actions on the behavior of children, who imitate what they see without fully understanding the implications of their actions.
Today's screen, tomorrow's insecurities
Ripoll reflects on the importance of children developing a certain independence, but highlights the vital need for them to feel the attention and love of their parents at an early age. "They can come to think that phones are much more important than them and develop insecurities that last in their personal development."
Despite the diverse reactions, the student met with mothers in favor of the project, sharing their personal experiences and expressing the hope that the posters will provoke reflection in adults. "In the end, as an artist, I am left with the satisfaction of having managed to make at least one person reflect for a minute of their time."