Sana Goyal, Age 11 and Rose elementary School, South Barrington, IL-60010

Ari Goyal , Age 10, Rose elementary school, South Barrington, IL-60010

In our after-school program, our friends and us played video games although we had an option of staying active by playing outdoors. Our parents always emphasized spending more time playing outside and restricted social media and video game time. Somehow video games always sound more fun than running around in an empty playground.

We read articles in newspaper and saw on TV how video games can affect kids’ brain. Our dad explained to us about dopamine and adrenaline effect in gamers. We overheard our parent’s friends being concerned about their kids playing violent video games. Hence, we thought about doing some kind of awareness for kids, then we started formally working on this project in 2019.

Our parents gave us the start-up money and introduced us to the attorney to file paperwork for the non-profit. Our dad showed us the nitty gritty, introduced us to the bank to open the bank account, website designer to make the website, professional photographer and the concept of organizing a charity event.

We had an idea but didn’t know how to channelize our thoughts into action. We thought we will not have any friends to play since our friends will make fun of us for not being “like them”.

Our uncle supported us to start the non profit. Our parents are always where supportive and encouraged us to think “outside the box.

We would like to connect with other kids all around the world and spread awareness. We would like to collaborate with WHO (World health Organization). We would like to re-channel kids energy, it can be done, as long as you’re able to find productive ways to fill the void that the absence of video games leaves in your life.

Don’t wait. Ask for help. Always ask questions- why, what and how. Always think what you can do to make a difference in life of others. Be kind, show persistence and perseverance!

Connecting with other kids and parents. It makes us feel we are contributing in making this world a better place to live, work and play.

We recently started a “biking club for kids” in our subdivision. Goal is to keep kids off the screen, be active and have fun. We would also like to organize activities for kids to engage in painting, gardening, cooking etc. We are hoping to organize fund raising events to spread awareness and provide alternatives to kids in our backyard as well as around the nation. Please visit our website www.parentsjustsayno.com , give us feedback and help us make it better.