Parents urged to swap screen time for outdoor play

Recent observations show children increasingly turn to screens during free moments, often leaving them restless, irritable and less able to settle. Studies note that today’s generation spends far less unstructured outdoor time than their parents did, with screen devices winning the default competition.

Psychologists highlight that natural, unstructured outdoor settings provide restorative benefits: better emotional regulation, improved sleep quality and heightened focus on subsequent tasks. Rather than imposing outright bans, experts recommend simple substitutions—offering a park visit, garden play or a brief walk—as durable ways for families to reduce screen reliance and promote healthier habits.