latest-news

Almost half the children who took part in a recent survey said they did not play outside every day, instead spending free time watching TV or using electronic games. The Australian State of Play Report found 45 percent of children surveyed did not play every day, while 47 percent spent free time using technology. On weekdays, playing games on devices and the internet were the most popular activities for children (64 percent and 61percent respectively). While outdoor activities were more popular on weekends, 73 percent of children said they still spent time on weekends playing video games.Of the parents surveyed, 59 percent said children spent too much time using technology, but 43 percent said they struggled to find time to play with their kids and half of the mums did not play with their children every day. Of the children surveyed, 44 percent said homework or being too tired from school prevented them from playing, while 37 percent said they didn’t know what to play. The report found children risked not fully developing social skills and missing out on critical bonding time with their parents. Child psychologist Paula Barrett, who contributed to the report, said ‘‘revitalising play time in Australia’’ was critical, especially for children aged eight to 12, as it taught boundaries, allowed them to form habits and shaped their identity. She warned future generations would be ‘‘stunted’’ socially and emotionally if children did not embrace old-fashioned play. ‘‘The current generation of children is crying out for more free time to spend with their loved ones, playing and having fun in nature and unstructured environments,’’ Professor Barrett said. ‘‘This important research draws our attention to the pressure that multiple, structured activities place on children and parents alike, those of which consequently reduce the time for relaxed expressions of love, creativity and play.’’ She urged adults to set aside 15 minutes each day to play with children. Burraneer mother-of-four Lisa Manson ensures her children play outside every day. ‘‘I like them to have an afternoon play until 5pm, then come in and do homework,’’ she said. Mrs Manson said even when they were living in a house without a child-friendly backyard, she ensured they got some outdoor physical activity. But she was not surprised so many children were missing out on outdoor play. ‘‘Parents are working, they are tired or just don’t have the energy,’’ she said. ‘‘I think parents understand [play] is important but it’s about finding time.’’ The state government’s Healthy Kids website said half of all children aged five to 15 spent more than two hours a day watching TV or DVDs, using computers or playing video, hand-held games or mobile phones. KEY FINDINGS ¦ 45 per cent of children did not play every day. ¦ 63 per cent of parents and 70 per cent of grandparents agreed children did not create their own play as much as they did when they were young. ¦ 3 per cent of parents thought kids should spend more time playing outside but admitted playtime was down their list of priorities due to other demands. ¦ 65 per cent of children said outdoor play was their favourite activity and 55 per cent wanted to spend more time playing with their parents. ¦ Reasons given by both children and parents for not playing more included not having time, lack of inspiration and an over- reliance on technology. SCREEN TIME Tips for parents from the Healthy Kids website: ¦ Stop and think if children could be doing something active before they turn on the TV. ¦ Set time limits for the use of TVs, computers or video games. ¦ Don’t allow TVs or computers in children’s bedrooms.

https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/resize/frm/silverstone-feed-data/76111a35-0e60-4245-a7a4-b006975f25d1.jpg/w1200_h678_fcrop.jpg