Fear of strangers, traffic and lack of confidence to avoid hurting oneself means children do not play outside – the only free place obesity, healthy lifestyles and diabetes can be tackled!
Almost half (49%) of parents report that fear of strangers stops their children from playing out, while 46% say traffic and almost a third (31%) highlight fear of accidents and injuries as barriers to outdoor play.
The findings of the survey have been released today as an estimated half-a-million children and families nationwide celebrate Playday – the national day for play in the UK – held this year on Wednesday 1st August. Around 500 community events are taking place across the UK to celebrate 25 years of the campaign, which raises awareness about children's right to play and the importance of play for children's health, wellbeing and happiness. For children, playing and exercise is the same thing and getting outdoors in the fresh air is most definitely conducive to both.