CHILDREN in Gloucester are spending just half the time playing outdoors than their parents did when they were young.
The average number of hours that children in the UK play outdoors stands at five hours and 36 minutes per week, and children in Gloucester slightly exceed the average, playing outdoors for an average of five hours 58 minutes per week.
Manufacturer JCB Kids – the children's section of the brand – commissioned a survey in March when 2,000 parents were polled across the UK about playing outdoors.
The study also revealed the average parent in Gloucester spent 10 hours and 26 minutes playing outside during the working week when they were children.
Similar results were identified at weekends with youngsters in Gloucester spending four hours and 55 minutes outside over the two days compared to the nine hours their parents played outdoors in the same period.
At St Peter's High School, in Stroud Road, they hold two extended lunch breaks a week in order to encourage outside play.
Headteacher Philip Rush said: "My children used to play with lots of others on the field in Randwick but I don't see children playing there now.
"Children are spending a lot of time indoors with a screen of one type or another – computers, PS2 and X-Box etc. These are all very appealing.
"Often children are still interacting with friends on these devices but not getting exercise and fresh air."
It also emerged that 53 per cent of Gloucester parents wish their children played outdoors more often.
Nicki Ross, deputy headteacher at Barnwood Park Arts College, said: "It is a real shame and we have seen a gradual decline in the amount of time children play outdoors over the years.
"Nowadays when they should be out playing they are sat at home playing on video games.
"Parents are anxious to let their children play outside because of the extremely rare cases they see in the media when children come to harm.
"It is vitally important for children to play outside, both for them to be active and to improve their social skills too.
"It is up to the schools to inspire them in PE lessons so they want to do physical activities at home."
The survey also revealed 37 per cent of children would rather watch television than go outside to play with friends, while another 42 per cent prefer to play computer games.
