British children are increasingly choosing screen time over outdoor play, with shocking new research revealing that kids spend less than four hours a week exercising outside of school, compared to a total of 14 hours spent on electronic devices.
A survey of 2,000 parents with children aged between six and 17 showed that children spend an average of five and a half hours a week watching TV, five hours gaming, and over four hours browsing social media.
In stark contrast, they dedicate just three and a half hours to reading books. A significant 69 per cent of parents admit it’s difficult to motivate their children to exercise, with over half resorting to rewards or incentives.
The study, commissioned by AXA Health, highlights the challenges parents face in encouraging their children to be more active. But two-thirds of parents believe their own exercise habits directly impact their children.
Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas can attest to this. He and his son Ethan teamed up with AXA Health to promote family fitness, undertaking challenges to test their strength and coordination.
Simon remarked, “From the moment they’re born, our kids are mimicking and learning from what we do. One of the big challenges now is being present what I mean by that is being intentional about your time with them because there’s lots of pull on our attention.”
He takes pride in setting an example through his actions, going on regular runs with his son two or three times a week as a means to strengthen their bond. “When it comes to exercise, you’ve got to practice what you preach as a parent,” he highlighted.
The report casts light on the ongoing struggle to find a balance between screen time and active play for youngsters, particularly in cooler weather conditions.
However, Dr. John Burke, chief medical officer at AXA Health, said: “Parents are important role models for children and we’re also guilty of sometimes overusing technology, like our phones, too. Popping down digital devices and getting outside to do an activity together is a great start.”
Additionally, he pointed out that, “Physical activity and time spent outdoors are vital components of a child’s healthy development.
“Beyond the physical benefits, such as improved strength and endurance, outdoor play encourages exploration, social interaction, and cognitive growth.” Most parents agree, having noticed their children are more positive and sleep better after they ‘ve participated in physical exercise.
“In an increasingly digital world, ensuring children have regular opportunities to exercise and connect with nature is more important than ever,” said Dr Burke.
He added, “Making it fun and following their interests is the first step to engaging your child the more you do it, the sooner it’ll be part of your weekly routine.”