Parents across North West concerned they have no access to safe outdoor spaces
Two in five UK parents say their children do not play outdoors independently because there are no safe routes for them to walk or cycle
Last updated 25th Jul 2024
More than five million UK parents say their children have no access to safe outdoor spaces within walking distance of their home, contributing to a continued decline in them playing outside.
That's according to housebuilder Redrow's second annual community play report which has revealed, just ahead of the summer holidays, two thirds (65%) of grandparents and 61% of parents say children today are continuing to spend less time outside than they did growing up.
Two in five parents say their children do not play outdoors independently because there are no safe routes for them to walk or cycle, while 52% say their worries about the general safety of society has impacted how much outdoor play and independence their child is able to have.
Instead, they are mainly watching TV (68%) and playing video games (53%).
Parents are aware of the benefits of the great outdoors, with 47% noting their children sleep better (47%), 37% that they are less reliant on screens, and 35% that they are calmer following a dose of fresh air and stint outside.
Overall, access to green spaces is becoming increasingly important for Brits, with half (50%) noting this as a key attraction to a new home vs 42% in 2023.
Parents are also concerned their children will lack a sense of adventure (40%), as well as suffer from poorer mental health (34%) and increased social anxiety (28%). Grandparents are even more concerned, with figures rising to 65%, 49% and 36% respectively.
This is leading to a growing desire for more green spaces, as a third (33%) admit they would be attracted to a new home that has these nearby or woodland to explore. Two in five (44%) admit they are envious of people who have access to green spaces near their homes.
Beyond simply moving house, almost half (48%) believe that the younger generations do not understand the basics of nature, gardening and the natural environment around them.
Sikandar Ali is the Head of Operations for Wigan Youth Zone, he says: "Every child deserves somewhere to go.
"We've seem a lot of young people who are with isolation, and mixing with other young people because of their isolation.
"As of late we will have a well-being youth worker on every night and that is due to the number of mental health concerns we get from young people."