A survey has been published giving an insight into how much time children spend playing outside and how this has changed since their parents’ formative years. The research was conducted by The Children’s Centre and a detailed summary of the results can be seen on the charity’s website www.thechildrenscentre.org.im.
Children and parents across the Island were asked for their views in the online study conducted last autumn. They answered questions about the amount of time children spend playing outside, their thoughts and opinions about outdoor play, how attitudes towards outdoor play have changed over the years, and what – if anything – prevents today’s generation of children from playing outdoors as much as they would like to. More than 3,000 parents and children took part in the survey, here are some of the key findings:
• Most parents (90%) who took part in the survey said that they played outside more when they were young than their children do now.
• A majority of parents (90%) also thought that there had been a decline in ‘community spirit’ when comparing today with their own childhood years.
• When parents were asked what would give their children more opportunities to play outdoors the top three replies were more places to play, more age appropriate places to play, and traffic calming measures.
• When asked to give reasons why they didn’t play outside as often as they would like, 18% of children who took part in the survey listed not having anywhere to play as the main reason, and 15% said it was because their parents would not allow them to play outside. Only 10.7% said that nothing stopped them playing outdoors.
• A majority of children (70%) said that given the choice they would prefer to play outdoors than indoors. A majority (73%) also said that they would prefer to play outside rather than stay indoors playing computer games or watching TV.
Chris Gregory, Play Development Officer at The Children’s Centre, said:
“Play is nature’s way of sculpting a complicated brain, keeping us physically and mentally healthy. Amongst many things, play allows children to learn lessons that cannot be taught in a classroom, such as how to manage risk, build friendships and, importantly, how to find their place in an ever evolving world. Yet, many of the Island’s children spend less time playing freely than they should and this hinders their development. When parents are asked to think of memories of their own childhood a majority will recall fond times playing outside with friends, without an adult in sight, and possibly up to things that would have made their parents stomach churn if they’d have only known. Giving children the opportunity to have such memories themselves is one of the greatest gifts we can give them.”
The Children’s Centre will be hosting a conference about play looking at why it is important, and what we can all do to make the Isle of Man a better place for children to play in and grow up. The conference will be held at The Children’s Centre in Woodbourne Road, Douglas, on October 4 and 5. Anyone can attend the second day, but day one is only open to those who book in advance. Places will be limited on both days. More details about the conference will be released nearer the time, but anyone who wants to find out more now – or book a place - should contact Chris Gregory by emailing chrisgregory@thechildrenscentre.org.im or by phoning 676076.
