One in three children do not play outdoors after school and a fifth do not at the weekend, according to research that found outdoor play has a beneficial impact on young people’s developing social and emotional skills.
The University of Exeter study looked at data from 2,500 children between sevenand 12 from the multiethnic Born in Bradford research programme, which tracks the health, development and wellbeing of mothers and children from pregnancy onwards.
Based on information from questionnaires completed by the children’s parents, researchers measured the social-emotional skills of the children using the “total difficulties score”, a screening tool that can help identify potential behavioural or emotional issues in children and young people.
Researchers found outdoor play had a positive effect on children’s social-emotional skills, meaning they were better able to understand, manage and express their emotions and behaviours, as well as interact with the world around them and build relationships.
The study, funded by the Medical Research Council and due to be published in the Wellbeing, Space & Society journal, also uncovered different patterns of outdoor play based on ethnicity. Children of white British heritage played outside more on school days while those of south Asian heritage played outside more on weekends.
The findings also suggest children living in less deprived communities benefit more from outdoor play than those in more deprived communities, perhaps reflecting the quality of outdoor spaces and play provision.
The lead researcher Dr Mark Ferguson said: “There’s established evidence showing outdoor play has declined by a lot, which is worrying because it is linked to various health issues, including obesity, anxiety and depression.
“We need to take proactive steps to encourage outdoor activities and ensure children lead healthy and active lives. Simple measures such as creating play-friendly residential areas and safer urban environments where families can relax, exercise, socialise and play can make a big difference. But it’s important to remember cultural differences and engage with communities to make these initiatives successful.”
Prof Rosie McEachan, the director of the Born in Bradford programme, said: “This study shows how important it is for children’s mental health to get off their screens and play outdoors after school and at weekends.
“We are lucky in Bradford to have many beautiful parks and green spaces, but these findings show that the local streets in which we live are just as important a space for children, and we need to make sure they are safe and welcoming spaces, free from traffic and pollution.”
The former children’s commissioner Anne Longfield, now executive chair of the Centre for Young Lives, called on the government to establish a new national play strategy.
She said: “Play is one of the most powerful tools to boost children’s social skills, physical activity, wellbeing and confidence. Yet too many of our children are spending their most precious years sedentary, on their phones and often alone, while their health and wellbeing deteriorates.
“We have to break down the barriers that are preventing so many of our children from playing – as part of their education in school, in their local parks and in neighbourhoods where they live. Play must become part of childhood again.”
Earlier this year, a report by the Raising the Nation Play Commission concluded that a failure to provide children with the spaces they need outside the home, due to traffic-dominated streets, loss of funding for playgrounds and the decline in youth clubs, was leading to a huge loss of outdoor play and independence.
Last year, the Guardian reported that shrinking outside space at schools and less time in the day for play were having a damaging impact on children’s wellbeing and physical health.
A government spokesperson said £100m was being invested in sports facilities in schools and communities, while the National Education Nature Park scheme was helping schools transform their grounds into greener spaces.
“We recognise the vital importance of play and access to nature, as we work to fulfil our mission to create the healthiest and happiest generation of children,” the spokesperson said.
