GROWING restrictions on social media use among children and teenagers could lead to greater interest in offline activities, including traditional games and hobbies, according to Toys“R”Us Asia.
The retailer said countries including Malaysia, Australia, Brazil, Indonesia and the United Kingdom were moving to restrict social media access for those under 16, while France and Greece are also considering similar measures.
The moves come as concerns grow over children’s screen time and its impact on their wellbeing.
Toys“R”Us Asia acting co-chief executive officer Johnny Mui said the restrictions could give families more reason to look for activities that do not involve screens.
“As society sets new boundaries for screens, our mission is to provide children, families and the new generation of kidults with joyful, meaningful alternatives,” he said in a statement.
Mui said play was important for learning, social interaction and self-expression, as well as helping strengthen relationships between generations.
“A screen can never replace the joy created by hands-on creation, exploration and real-world play,” he said.
The company said it had seen renewed interest in activities that bring children and adults together, including Beyblade tournaments and trading card games.
Beyblade, which was launched more than 20 years ago, has seen a resurgence in several Asian markets, according to the retailer.
Mui said tournaments had attracted players from different age groups.
“At our Beyblade tournaments, it’s common to see nine-year-olds and 39-year-olds strategising and enjoying together,” he said.
Trading card games, including the Pokémon Trading Card Game, have also drawn adults who grew up with the franchise as well as younger players.
The company said the appeal extended beyond the games themselves, with collecting, trading and playing providing opportunities for families and friends to spend time together.
Blind boxes and collectables have become another popular form of entertainment among teenagers and young adults, while films such as Toy Story continue to bring different generations together.
The changes are also influencing the way some toy retailers approach their stores, with smaller outlets and activity-based spaces being introduced in parts of Asia.
Toys“R”Us Asia cited its TOMICA stores, the Tomica Factory in Malaysia and Pokémon Play Lab in Hong Kong as examples of spaces where customers can take part in activities rather than simply shop.
Mui said the shift was ultimately about giving children and families more opportunities to spend time together away from their phones.
“As societies rethink the role of technology in young people’s lives,” he said.
“There will already be familiar, welcoming corners of the city where children, teenagers and kidults can pick up a spinning top, a blind box or a deck of cards, and simply play together again.” - September 2, 2026
