University of Exeter study reveals generational gap in children's outdoor play

A new study by the Outdoor Play Research Centre at the University of Exeter has identified a ‘generational play gap’ in the United Kingdom. Research involving nearly 2,000 parents and caregivers of children aged 5 to 11 reveals that children now begin playing outdoors without supervision at an average age of 10.8 years, compared to an average of 9.7 years for their parents.

The findings indicate that children are spending significantly less time in outdoor environments, with street play averaging less than 25 minutes per week. While outdoor and adventurous play typically declines as children age across most of Britain, researchers noted a different trend in London, where play levels increase around age nine.

Professor Helen Dodd, Director of the Outdoor Play Research Centre, stated that independent outdoor play is linked to improved health and wellbeing, including lower anxiety and increased physical activity. The Centre aims to conduct scientific research to encourage a step change in how children access independent outdoor play.