– New research reveals that the current generation of kids spend the least amount of time outside –
New research[i] commissioned by the National Trust shows that children aged 7-12 spend less time playing outside compared to any other generation.
According to the findings, over half of today’s children (54 per cent) spend less than an hour outside each day, whilst one in four (25 per cent) get less than 30 minutes a day in the outdoors. This compares to their parents who spent an average of 2 hours 34 minutes outside each day as children. More than half of grandparents (53 per cent) spent over three hours playing outside when they were aged 7-12, compared to just six per cent of children today.
Despite this, a massive 85 per cent of those surveyed cite playing outside as one of their greatest childhood memories with 91 per cent admitting these experiences have nurtured their love of and need for green spaces in their lives.
The National Trust is aiming to get 200,000 kids playing outside this summer as part of its commitment to connect the ‘cotton wool generation’ with nature. By September the UK conservation charity hopes to have helped one in twenty of Britain’s 7-12 year olds (five per cent[ii]) break their reliance on gadgets and computers for entertainment, and experience the simple pleasures of outdoor adventure.
To mark the official start of its annual 50 Things to do before you are 11¾ campaign, the National Trust is hosting more than 1,000 activities and events over the school holidays to encourage families to experience nature.
Rangers from the charity have identified a list of ten activities that can be done easily in a garden or park:
- Climb a tree
- Hunt for bugs
- Create some wild art
- Fly a kite
- Play pooh sticks
- Plant it, grow it, eat it
- Build a den
- Set up a snail race
- Explore inside a tree
- Make a daisy chain
Proving that 50 Things is and can make a difference, recent independent data commissioned by the Trust has revealed that half of kids (48 per cent) who have tried an outdoor activity on the list such as climbing a tree, building a den or flying a kite have a greater connection and bond with nature. Children who enjoy the simple pleasures of outdoor adventures are more likely to develop long lasting relationships with the natural world and care about protecting these special places for future generations.
According to the findings, the most completed activity on the 50 Things bucket list is climbing a tree closely followed by rolling down a hill and building a den. The activities that are least likely to be taken on are building a raft and finding your way with a map and compass.
To help families nationwide get involved the Trust has lots of tips and ideas for activities to do over the school holidays on its website as well as an app launching mid July, which will indicate activities on the list that can be done in the surrounding area.
Comedian and actor Hugh Dennis who is lending his support to the campaign says: “My most treasured childhood memories are of being in the outdoors so it’s a sad thought that kids today aren’t enjoying the experiences which we remember so fondly. There are so many simple delights to be had – and it doesn’t have to be a chore or ordeal to do either. Back gardens can be as much as a treasure trove for kids as the seaside or a local park.”
Helen Meech, Assistant Director, Outdoors and Nature Engagement at The National Trust commented:
“We really want kids to enjoy being in the outdoors and to care about nature, so it becomes part of their life as they grow up. The memories made as a child stay with you forever, and if outdoor places are part of these memories then hopefully children will grow up wanting to protect these special places for years to come. I’m sure if nature had a voice it would say that it misses today’s children and wants to be part of their childhood adventures.”
The 50 Things to do before you are 11¾ campaign was first launched in 2012. To date over 90,000 of the nation’s youngsters have signed up to tackle the bucket list. Children who complete all the 50 Things on the bucket list will receive a unique visit pass that will enable them and a parent to access over 200 National Trust places, helping them to develop that long term connection to the natural world.
To find out more about the 50 Things visit https://www.50things.org.uk/
I’m trained as a Forest School leader and I feel so passionate about children being able to get out and enjoy the natural world in a way that was quite normal for myself as a child. I’m only 26 but I don’t ever remember being couped up inside the house with a screen of some kind for entertainment. My entertainment was outside and all of my best childhood memories are based in a natural environment.
I found reading Sue Palmer’s books very inspiring if this is a subject that is important to you – I’ve read Toxic Childhood and 21st Century Boys. I feel like every parent should be handed a copy of each of these books.
It’s not as if I don’t understand why parents are less likely to let their children explore freely outdoors. I’m equally as troubled by the fear of child predators or increased traffic on the road. I really applaud the National Trust for attempting to combat this issue.
Great blog post 🙂
I haven’t read those books but I will definitely add them to my reading list. I too spent so much of my time outside when I was younger and my own children thrive on being outdoors, it’s definitely when they are the best behaved and I think that’s because they have the freedom to explore whereas in the house they get ‘bored’ and feel stifled so the entertainment they create for themselves is being mischievious and fighting with each other.
Thank you for commenting 🙂
I have to get my children out of the house every day, rain or shine. I would go insane otherwise with crushing cabin fever. It’s just the best thing for everyone in the family – fresh air, exercise, a change of scenery. Even if it’s just for an hour, it breaks up the day. A lovely post with some great tips, thank you.
I know the feeling, I hate winter when you tend to spend more time inside although that is when we do loads of crafting and reading books togeher. Tank you for dropping by 🙂