In this blog Isabel Jones, Partnerships Manager at Catch22, uncovers the increasing presence of the online world in the lives of children, the absence of outdoor play and the impact this has on the development and wellbeing of the youngest members of our society.
Growing up online
Hopscotch, Kerby, and British Bulldog are all games I remember from the 90s, where the summer holidays were spent playing outside all day, often returning home late for dinner. However, with the rise of smartphones and increased screen time, research has shown that children spend less time outdoors.
A recent report summarised the impact of screen time on the education and wellbeing of children, findings include:
- Screen Exposure reportedly can start as early as six months of age.
- 1 in 5 children aged 3-4 years old have their own mobile phone, with this number increasing to 1 in 4 by age 8 and nearly all children by age 12.
- The amount of time children aged 5–15 years old spend online rose from an average of 9 hours per week in 2009 to 15 hours per week in 2018.
- Research suggests that nearly 25% of children and young people use their smartphones in a way that aligns with behavioural addiction.
Risks of unregulated screentime
Excessive screen time can keep children from the benefits of the outside world, e.g., exercise, and is a common contributor to depression and anxiety. Phone use has been linked to neurological issues, cognitive impairments, sleep disturbances, and behavioural problems.
Teachers have noted that children who use screens excessively—particularly since the pandemic—are learning from online videos and television programmes, sometimes starting school with an American accent as a result.
At Catch22, we are particularly concerned about how social media exposes children to criminal and sexual exploitation. Johnny Bolderson, Senior Service Manager in County Lines Support and Rescue for Catch22, described social media and online gaming as the “foundation of county lines recruitment,” making it easier for criminal gangs to exploit these children. Their increased screen time and reduced ability to engage with social media safely contribute to this risk.
Outdoor play: not what it used to be
Today, just 27% of children said they regularly play outside their homes, compared to 71% of those from the generation born between 1946 and 1964. For individuals aged 55-64, the figure was 80%, highlighting a steady decline in outdoor play over just a few generations.
The NHS recommends that toddlers and pre-school aged children should engage in at least three hours of physical activity per day. Children and young people aged 5 to 18 should aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.
The importance of safe physical spaces
Children growing up in deprivation are less likely to have access to private outdoor spaces like gardens. Additionally, parents today are often hesitant to let their children play outside due to safety concerns, and they worry that their children might be seen as a disturbance to neighbours. Access to outdoor spaces must be safe and equitable.
At Catch22, we recognise the critical role of outdoor play within our schools.
Karl Johansson, Deputy Head Teacher of Catch22 Include Wales told me:
“Outdoor spaces in schools serve as an extension of the classroom, offering a unique environment where children can explore, learn, and grow in ways that are often not possible indoors. These spaces are not just about physical activity, although that is a significant benefit; they are also about mental and emotional development. Being outdoors encourages curiosity, fosters social interactions, and helps children develop a deeper connection with the natural world.”
Adriana Velez, Catch22s Sustainability Coordinator, highlighted an additional benefit of outdoor play:
“It also provides the perfect setting to teach them about environmental topics such as biodiversity, air pollution, littering, climate change and food growing. The more time they spend outdoors the stronger their bond with nature is, this makes them more environmentally aware and will encourage them to make responsible choices to preserve our planet.”
It is also worth noting that research has shown that outdoor play positively impacts classroom performance, with children who engage in sufficient outdoor activities often achieving better grades. This improvement stems from the development of essential skills like emotional regulation, social interaction, and problem-solving, all of which contribute to their overall academic success.
Inside and out: finding a balance
Being online and tech-savvy isn’t a bad thing, in fact, digital literacy is a critical part of children’s education. With over 80% of job vacancies in the UK now requiring online proficiency, it is essential for children to be digitally literate and to keep up with evolving technology to be well-prepared for the job market both now and in the future.
At Catch22, we support communities across the UK to explore the tech industry and enhance their skills, often leading to rewarding career opportunities. By partnering with organisations like TikTok, we promote the positive aspects of social media and highlight career opportunities in the digital world.
However, it’s crucial that online play does not replace outdoor activities. The negative impacts of reduced outdoor play are well-researched.
Helen Dodd, a Professor of Child Psychology, states:
“Some consequences of this reduced level of playing out could be on friendship development, social skills, freedom, independence and negotiation of shared spaces. We are also concerned that these changes to children’s experiences could have an adverse effect on their mental health.”
While we may not return to the days of balls regularly bouncing from pavement to pavement or have to resist the urge to join a hopscotch game as we walk down the street, we must ensure children have access to safe, outdoor play spaces as our attention on the online world – and its risks and benefits – grows.