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Only 27% of UK children say they regularly play outside on their street, according to new research carried out by OnePoll and supported by Save the Children.
The survey of 3000 adults and children was published to mark this year’s Playday. It found a stark contrast between the number of children who play out today, and 80% of people aged 55-64 who played out as children.
The survey also noted that 30% of children said they were restricted from playing outside, by parents and neighbours complaining about their making noise.
Helen Dodd, Professor of Child Psychology at University of Exeter, expressed concern about the findings, saying:
‘Some consequences of this reduced level of playing out could be on friendship development, social skills, freedom, independence and negotiation of shared spaces. We are also concerned that these changes to children’s experiences could have an adverse effect on their mental health.’
The survey was completed by 1000 children and young people aged 6 to 16 years, 1000 adults, and 1000 parents of children aged 6 to 16 years.