Significant generational differences in outdoor play
Only 10% of children play outside more often than inside
Climbing trees, cycling outside, or playing hide and seek. It sounds familiar to most parents. But mainly because it reminds them of the past. 65% of parents spent most of their youth outside. Unfortunately, this is not the case for our children. Nowadays, only 14% of children play outside every day.
Tablets and computers are now much more appealing to children than the local soccer field. This is evident from research by Jantje Beton, the charity that, together with children, advocates for more and more challenging play areas and more playtime. Because playing outside is something children do far too little. Compared to 2013, the number of children playing outside daily in the neighborhood has decreased from 20% to 14%. Of the 1.2 million primary school children, more than 1 million no longer play outside daily.
Difference with (grand)parents
According to the research among grandparents (born between 1925 – 1955) and children (aged 6 to 12 years), 69% of grandparents played outside more than inside. For parents (born between 1955 – 1985), it was 65%. That percentage has significantly decreased: nowadays, only 10% of children play outside more often than inside. Three out of ten children never play outside or only once a week. Yet, the children in the study indicate that they find playing outside one of the most enjoyable leisure activities. 28% would also like to play outside more. The reason for the decrease according to the children? Play areas are boring (39%), they prefer to play inside (39%), or they are too busy with school and hobbies (15%).
Playing outside is healthy
Cycling, climbing, and inventing games: these are the activities children enjoy most outside, and they are also very good for them. This way, they get enough exercise, and it contributes to good development. In the study, almost half of the children indicated that they like to think along about a fun outdoor activity, so feel free to ask your child for tips. With this beautiful weather, it's a shame to stay inside, right?
Source: jantjebeton.nl
You might also find this interesting: