Experts Say It’s Important for Children to Play Outside

According to a recent analytical
report, two-thirds of parents, or 63% of survey participants, believe that
playing outside has become riskier today compared to earlier times. Busy roads,
fast drivers, extracurricular activities, and the threat of unknown individuals
are some of the fear’s parents have that prevent them from allowing their
children to play outside in the streets or neighborhood fields.

A British organization, which is
running a campaign to encourage childr

en to engage in sports, recently
conducted a survey to understand the concerns parents have about sending their
children outside.

A spokesperson for the ‘Make Time to
Play’ organization stated that parental fear has increased to the extent that
it has led to children being kept away from outdoor activities involving
running and jumping.

The survey questioned 2,000 parents
of children under the age of 15.

Two-thirds of parents, or 63% of
survey participants, believe that playing outside is more dangerous today
compared to the past. 57% of parents expressed that fast traffic is the worst
threat in their view, which makes them reluctant to send their children
outside.

55% of parents are concerned about
the presence of unknown people, which discourages them from allowing their
children to go outside. Meanwhile, 39% of parents mentioned that they are
afraid to send their children outside because they cannot keep an eye on them.

Some parents said they are compelled
to prevent their children from going outside due to fears of criminal behavior,
while 19% of parents do not want their children to waste time on play rather
than studies.

15% of parents in the survey felt
that their children get more opportunities to play outside than they did.
However, 38% admitted that they feel their children are confined indoors and
are not given enough opportunities for physical exercise. This is why the
number of children playing in open fields and parks is much lower compared to
those seen playing video and computer games at home.

Dr. Linda Papadopoulos, head of the
organization, commented on the survey results, saying that while parents
understand the importance of daily fruit and vegetable consumption for their
children’s growth, they must also recognize that physical activity and play are
crucial for their development.

She advised parents that while they
always think about their child’s well-being, sending them outside with friends
for some time each day can lead to many positive changes, helping them make new
friends and learn about the world around them, which will build their
self-confidence.