‘Generational shift’ as children miss out on outdoor play

Experts say young children “will benefit significantly from more play opportunities and better spaces to play”, calling for changes to key government policies

The age at which children are allowed to play outdoors without supervision is increasing. A University of Exeter survey of nearly 2,000 parents and caregivers found children were typically allowed independent outdoor play at 10.8 years old, compared with 9.7 years for their parents.

Parents also reported that they delayed girls playing out alone by around eight months on average when compared with boys. Ethnicity was equally significant. Compared with children of respondents who described themselves as white, those of other ethnic backgrounds were allowed out up to 1.2 years later.

The survey found that children now spend just 25 minutes a week playing outside in the street, while their parents and grandparents would typically spend hours away from home.

Researchers at Exeter University’s Outdoor Play Research Centre (OPRC) cited busier roads, increased screen use, poorer access to good-quality play spaces and changing social attitudes as possible reasons for the decline.

Previous Exeter research, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry in June, found children who played outdoors more frequently at ages two, three and four were more likely to maintain good mental health into middle childhood.

Researchers said that ensuring neighbourhoods provide accessible playgrounds and natural spaces, while supporting parents/carers to understand the developmental benefits of age-appropriate engagement with risk, may help create conditions that enable children to develop independence progressively across childhood.

Marguerite Hunter Blair, Chair of the UK Children’s Play Policy Forum, said at the time: “This evidence shows that our young children will benefit significantly from more play opportunities and better spaces to play. To support this, governments and local authorities must build outdoor play into key policies and work with communities to create and improve these essential play spaces.”

“Independent outdoor play is linked to better health and wellbeing, including lower anxiety, more positive emotions and more physical activity…”

Professor Helen Dodd, OPRC Director said: “We know that independent outdoor play is linked to better health and wellbeing, including lower anxiety, more positive emotions and more physical activity; some of the key childhood health challenges that we currently face.”

Tim Rose, Head of Operations at the charity Farms for City Children, said the report highlighted “a striking generational shift” and shows that access to outdoor play is not just a ‘nice to have’. 

He said: “Every child, whatever their background or where they live, should have opportunities to explore, take manageable risks and build confidence outdoors as a routine part of childhood. 

“We know from our own experience how outdoor play, learning and exploration can have a critical impact on a child's health, wellbeing and development. As Farms for City Children marks its 50th anniversary, we have seen across generations how children grow in confidence when they spend a week with us. They test themselves, solve problems and explore their environment, all while developing curiosity and independence.”

The NSPCC has also called for more ‘in person’ play, rather than online. Chris Sherwood, CEO said: “Lack of in-person play is a particular concern for parents, something we all have a responsibility to address. Children and young people playing more with their friends and family, both inside and outside, can only be a good thing for their physical and mental health and general sense of wellbeing.”