In order to combat childhood obesity, government programs across the world have introduced many campaigns that encourage young children to step outside and be active. Despite these programs, a new survey found that even prisoners spend more time outdoors than young children do.
The survey, which was conducted in the U.K. by laundry detergent brand Persil, noted that 74 percent of children spend less than one hour playing outside, while 18 percent do not go outside to play at all. The United Nations' guidelines require prisons to give inmates "at least one hour of suitable exercise in the open air daily."
"The truth is we are enclosing our children," said Mark Sears of The Wild Network. "We are stifling their ability to be free, to be at their best as children and it is having significant impacts."
"Parents see the value of outdoor play and still it doesn't happen. Outdoor time is shrinking. It is a gigantic paradox. It's time we gave parents the tools, skills and confidence to do the things that they know are good for their children," he added.
The Wild Network is working with Persil, which is made by Unilever and Republic of Ireland to come up with solutions that can help parents get their children outside. Being around in nature does not only increase children's physical activity levels, but also boost creativity and the desire to learn.
"Academic research shows that active play is the natural and primary way that children learn," said Sir Ken Robinson, an adviser to Unilever. "It is essential to their healthy growth and progress, particularly during periods of rapid brain development. We must place adequate importance on play now, so that our precious children grow up into successful, well-rounded and happy adults."
U.K. environment secretary Liz Truss also announced a plan to give every school child the opportunity to visit national parks. Truss stated that there are currently not enough children who have access to visit parks.
"I want every child to know the joy and wonder of the great outdoors," she said. "Our children should be climbing trees, not the walls."
The survey, which was commissioned on the behalf of the "Dirt is Good" campaign, reached 2,000 parents of children between the ages of 5 and 12.
