UK children are missing out on outdoor play

A study conducted by Savlon and Play England found that children prefer to play outside rather then do indoor activities, such as playing computer games when given the choice. Playing at a beach or river scored the most with 88%, playing in the park 79%, riding a bike 77% and ball games 76%. The study which involved 2,000 respondents also found that 1 in 5 children have never played in fields and farmland and 1 in 6 have never played in woods or forests, this compares to nearly 60% of adults who played there every week when they were children. Also 60% of parents would prefer their children to play outside more but prevented them doing so due to safety concerns. Also due to safety fears 1 in 4 parents would prefer their children to play on the computer than climb a tree and 1 in 5 prefer computer games instead of playing in fields and farmland. With 1 in 3 children now either overweight or obese in this country it's ironic that keeping our children indoors thinking that we're keeping them safe maybe doing them more harm than good. Inactivity and high fat/sugar foods such as crisps, fizzy drinks and sweets are turning our children into a nation of fatties. If we carry on as we are 9 out of 10 children may grow up with dangerous amounts of fat in their bodies which will put them at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer later on in life. Surely a more healthy balance could be struck in order that children can fulfill their natural curiosity and love of adventure in playing outside and taking some controlled risks but within safe and secure boundaries that will suit parents.