Parents blame lack of playgrounds for child health problems

The Association of Play Industries (API) commissioned Mumsnet to carry out research about outdoor play among parents of children aged between two and 12.

The survey asked about children’s outdoor play and indoor screen habits, and revealed a growing concern among parents about their children’s activity levels and the shift away from outdoor play to indoor screen time.

Many of the 1,111 parents surveyed said that the shortage of outdoor play facilities had impacted on their children’s physical and mental health.

The lack of outdoor play facilities was cited by parents surveyed as an issue for:

Mark Hardy, chair of the API said, ‘Most of the parents surveyed say that playgrounds are vital in getting children outdoors and active again. The overwhelming majority of UK children live in urban areas. For these children, and particularly those in the most disadvantaged areas, public playgrounds are their only chance for outdoor play.

‘Free, outdoor play is absolutely crucial to normal development. We are in danger of leaving entire communities without anywhere for children to play. Couple this with the dominance of digital culture and the strong inducement it creates for children to stay indoors – inactive and alone for hours – children are facing a crisis with dire consequences for their mental and physical health.’