Children spend less time outside than prisoners

When I was a child we existed in a largely technology free world and spent much of our time outdoors. Whether it was playing games, skipping or attempting cartwheels, we were always active. Much has changed since the days of flares, big hair and sounds of the disco but a recent study has revealed some shocking statistics.

The research, commissioned by global laundry brand Persil, found three quarters (74%) of UK children spend less time outdoors than prison inmates. On the average day, one in five didn’t spend any time outside at all. No wonder so many parents believe their child has fewer opportunities to play than they did. Persil wants parents to encourage their children to spend more time outside getting messy and enjoying themselves. Essential skills can be learned as a result and we all know #DirtIsGood!

We left the big smoke nearly six years ago and Surrey has suited five year old POD tremendously well. She’s a true adventurer and thrives on exploring nature’s playground whatever the weather. I remember POD wanting to go to the beach not that long ago and while we set off in the midst of a downpour, it stopped not long after we arrived. Her delight at being on an empty beach searching rainbows was simply brilliant.

We’ve made a few trips to different beaches in Sussex over the past few weeks. It’s a good time of year to do it as it means we can find our favourites before the summer rush. Even on a dull day it’s the best feeling the sea breeze on your cheeks and taking in the wonderful views. POD loves jumping the waves, making sandcastles and hunting for shells or fossils. On a recent trip to the coast we even discovered the largest bench in the UK and POD found throwing seaweed at Mummy highly entertaining! We’re looking forward to being able to feel the sand in-between our toes, swim in the sea and go on the hunt for crabs.

We’re lucky there’s so much to do in Surrey. There’s Newlands Corner, Sheepleas, RHS Wisley, Painshill Park and Loseley Park to play hide and seek in. We couldn’t be without our National Trust membership as there’s an amazing choice locally. Too many to list here (there are that many!) but we relish in discovering new properties and re-visiting the ones we’re familiar with. POD is always the first to climb a tree and jump in the air or just fall in the mud dressed as TinkerBell!

The National Trust always provides a great deal of green space so it’s the perfect way to blow away the cobwebs. POD can be an adventurer, discoverer or an explorer although with her imagination she can be a pirate just as easily! The outdoors provides so many opportunities for laughter from rolling down a hill, skimming stones and playing Pooh sticks to making a trail with sticks, looking inside a tree or riding a pony. Spring is a great time of year for lavender picking and bluebell spotting although POD loves discovering conkers and catching leaves just as much.

The forest is a catalyst for adventure with Forestry Commission owned Alice Holt the nearest to us. As well as the abundance of trees, there are wooden structures and playgrounds to test with various way marked trails to follow. POD has also taken The Gruffalo and Stick Man trails too. Cycling is great there although POD’s not quite mastered steering yet! Last time we were there she drew her own treasure map and we went in search of everything on her list from trees, grass and pine cones to the sun, a pink flower – and a rainbow!

With us spending the majority of our spare time outside, its really helped with POD’s understanding of nature. On all our walks we look at what’s around us and photograph interesting things so we can talk about them when we return home. From funny looking plants and colourful flowers to wild horses in the New Forest. POD has even had a go at photography herself albeit with my old camera.

Visiting the zoo always goes down well with ZSL Whipsnade a favourite. It’s a great place for her to be educated about about all kinds of animals, both large and small. Similarly Bocketts Farm, a working farm, is where she can feed goats, sheep and cows as well as seeing newborns which pleases her greatly.

When the weather gets warmer, POD likes making mud pies, potions for elves or dressing up as a fairy. There’s water fun to be had in the paddling pool or in helping to water the flowers. She also likes pretend cooking in her playhouse, having a swing and whizzing down her slide. If you’re lucky she might do a spot of Spanish dancing!

You might think POD is a bit of ‘girly girl’ and doesn’t like to get messy but she’s always the first to jump in muddy puddles, climb a tree or roll in the sand! She’s continually learning while she’s outdoors and it’s a great way to keep her exercising even if she doesn’t realise it!

Many of those polled in the Persil ‘Play in Balance’ research cited unreliable weather, lack of time and children wanting to stay inside as reasons for not going outside. Similarly the study found traditional games are in decline with many (a whopping 75%!) preferring to play virtual sports on a screen inside rather than actual sports. This has resulted in children being out of touch with nature – over half could not identify an oak tree with even more not knowing what a common crocus is. Perhaps unsurprisingly 80% knew who Justin Bieber is. This short film from Persil highlights what happens when kids get to play outdoors.

To draw attention to the outdoor play deficit, Persil has created ‘Free the Kids’, a thought-provoking film that illustrates the current imbalance. Persil suggests all parents get outside to play with their children. Ideas for getting out (and getting dirty!) are at www.dirtisgood.com. You can sign up your child’s school for Empty Classroom Day too and join the conversation with Persil UK on Twitter. How do you feel about your child’s opportunities to play?