Experts stress importance of outside play for South Yorkshire kids this summer
More than half of parents in the North say their kids have been lonely during Covid
We're told it's more important than ever South Yorkshire kids get outside playing with others this summer, after the effect of multiple lockdowns on their wellbeing and development.
New research from the NSPCC has found more than half of parents here in the North think their kids have been more lonely during the pandemic than normal.
And more than 80% think playing outside will be important for their wellbeing this summer.
Michelle Heaversedge leads NHS mental health teams in Rotherham schools - she says the pandemic's had a real impact:
"What we are seeing is children feeling more anxious now going into things that maybe they wouldn't have been anxious about before. It's been affecting their confidence to be able to put themselves out there, whether that's into the school environment or going out with friends.
"Innately we are social creatures. We know that we're driven for connection with people and relationships and that's been a big thing that's been missing. So to reconnect with people and give us a sense of meaning and joy that we get from relationships with other people I think is going to be really important.
"We know that children are feeling more lonely, feeling isolated, and that's affecting their mental health which in turn affects how they develop and their ability to learn and adapt."
The YouGov poll for the children's charity revealed 63% of parents in the North say their children have played inside more since the start of the pandemic and 72% have spent less time playing with friends.
NSPCC’s CEO Peter Wanless said:
“We know the last year has been incredibly challenging for families and many children have missed out on the opportunity to play and really enjoy their childhood. Lots of children have felt lonely and isolated and have longed to be reunited with their friends and family again.
“After the year we’ve just experienced, we could all do with a bit more play and the research we are releasing today shows just how important it will be for families this summer."