1
Why do you think children nowadays spend less time playing outdoors?
I would say the main factor is the lure of screen-based entertainment. Tablets, consoles, and video-sharing platforms are designed to be incredibly engaging, so children often prefer staying indoors on a sofa. For instance, my younger cousin would rather play multiplayer games online than kick a ball around in the local park. Having said that, increased traffic and safety anxieties among parents also discourage spontaneous outdoor play in many towns.
2
What benefits do traditional street games offer compared to digital games?
Traditional outdoor games are far better for physical fitness and social negotiation. When kids organise their own matches, they have to resolve disputes and agree on boundaries without adult supervision. Playing something like tag requires stamina, agility, and teamwork, whereas video games are mostly sedentary. Nevertheless, some online games do foster strategic thinking, so they are not without merit, though they clearly cannot replace fresh air.
3
How can communities make neighbourhoods safer for outdoor play?
Local councils can implement traffic-calming measures, such as introducing lower speed limits and speed bumps in residential cul-de-sacs. Creating dedicated green spaces or pedestrianised zones gives children secure areas away from busy roads. In some Dutch cities, for example, streets are redesigned so pedestrians and cyclists have priority over motor vehicles. Obviously, this requires public funding and political will, but it makes a noticeable difference to community safety.
4
Do you believe parents have become more overprotective over time?
Yes, I think there has been a noticeable shift towards what people call 'helicopter parenting'. Due to round-the-clock news coverage, parents are much more fearful of traffic accidents or strangers than previous generations were. Consequently, they tend to supervise every outing rather than letting children roam freely with their peers. While keeping kids safe is obviously important, excessive sheltering can sometimes hinder their resilience and independence.
5
How might the way children play change in the future?
I suspect we will see a blend of physical activity and immersive technology. For example, augmented reality games that require children to explore outdoor parks to find virtual items could become standard. This could encourage sedentary kids to get active outdoors while still enjoying digital elements. However, purely unplugged, imaginative games will probably always exist, as they rely entirely on human creativity rather than expensive gadgets.
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