'iPad kids' reluctant to return to traditional entertainment(2)

"A growing number of children are playing games on mobile devices like iPads and PSPs, leading some to call them the 'iPad Generation'," Guo said.

Education experts and organizations are still encouraging children to enjoy traditional games in order to develop their intelligence and improve their communication skills, Guo said.

Four kindergartens in Ningxia have been trying to repopularize traditional games since 2011. Another three kindergartens have joined their cause. However, their attempts have not gone smoothly.

The No. 4 Kindergarten in the regional capital of Ningxia has collected 121 traditional games since 2011. However, not all the children have welcomed them.

"I like those games, but I don't have them at home and no one will play with me after school, so I play computer games at home instead," said Cao Yuheng, a student at the kindergarten.

Huang Ying, a researcher from the education department of Yinchuan's Xingqing District, said fierce competition in schools has led parents to make every effort to enroll their children in extracurricular classes, leaving them little time to play with their peers.

"Children get too much homework and pressure from both parents and teachers. They don't have time or energy to play old-fashioned games," Huang said.

Huang added that modern urban living has also had an effect, as children live in impersonal, disconnected communities that make it difficult for them to foster friendships with their peers.

In addition, many schools have cancelled exercise activities due to safety considerations, leading some students to turn their interests toward computer games.

"Children do like traditional games, but some parents favor 'electronic babysitters' when they're too busy. Parents need to take more time to play outdoors with their children," said Chai Lei, a local kindergarten teacher.