Intergenerational Play Communities: A Strategy to Reconfigure the Physical and Digital Territories of Urban Childhood in Puebla

• In Event: Rethinking Childhood in Public Space: Comparative Strategies of Care, Play, and Community Across Latin America and Oceania

Abstract

This doctoral research investigates the impact of excessive screen use and dopamine-driven digital content on the well-being, development, and spatial practices of urban children in Puebla, Mexico. Framed within the theory of complex systems and informed by child development psychology, urban studies, and neuroscience, the study explores how digital dependency is not only a problem in itself but also a symptom of a broader territorial and social disintegration affecting contemporary childhood.

The central hypothesis proposes that creating intergenerational play communities in public spaces adjacent to schools can serve as a meaningful alternative to digital overexposure. Through a mixed-methods case study at Colegio Loyola, the research diagnoses digital habits and play patterns, identifies community perceptions and barriers, co-designs and implements a pilot intervention, and evaluates its outcomes. Key components include sensory and affective strategies, participatory urban design, and community engagement across age groups.

Preliminary findings suggest that reclaiming public space for collective, playful, and intergenerational use strengthens children's emotional bonds, reduces time spent on screens, and fosters social cohesion. The study concludes by proposing replicable guidelines for urban and educational policy, emphasizing that nurturing vibrant childhood communities is essential for building healthier, more resilient cities.

Author

• Greta Lukoseviciute, BUAP