加拿大儿童游乐场广告引争议 呼吁孩子下载 Biba 手机游戏

A playground in Mississauga, Canada, has drawn attention online as it has a sign advertising a mobile game, with many questioning why the advert exists.

Playing outside with friends means making your own fun. You can come with your own games, dabble in things like hide-and-seek, sports, or head over to a playground to use their swings and slides. 

However, over in Mississauga Valley, Canada, one playground has sparked confusion online as it advertises a set of mobile games rather than encouraging kids to jump on the swing or slide down, well, a slide.

The sign points people to ‘Biba’ in the mobile app stores, which is an app of playground games. “We all know today’s kids get too much screen time. It’s a challenge! That’s why we made Biba: mobile games that turn screen time into outdoor family play!” the app’s website says.

Playground advertises app of playground games

Despite that, many locals have been “surprised” by the advert and push to use the app. “Or, this might sound wacky, we could play on the playground,” one commented on social media. 

“I get it but you could just use your imagination,” another said. “The last thing my kid is doing at the park is stopping to read a sign,” commented another.

“Get outside….. and play on your phones,” another joked. “Touch grass not glass,” another chimed in. 

As others have pointed out, the app is an optional download. You don’t have to have it on your phone in order to access the playground. 

“Honestly, it looks like a way for the parents/guardians to actually be engaged with their child instead of doomscrolling,” one argued. 

According to Biba, they have over 4,500 playgrounds like this in ten countries around the world, so it’s not an isolated thing. “Our outreach shows that this is a useful tool for many parents. For those who would rather not use it, Biba doesn’t change anything about the way your playground already works for you,” the app also notes.