Children 'need to take part in more outdoor play activities'
19/03/2010 Children should be spending less time in the house and more time taking part in outdoor play activities, according to one expert.
Amy Schofield, editor of education and parenting website mychild.co.uk, said that children growing up in the UK are "much more restricted" than in the past, as few parents feel safe letting their children play in the street.
This coupled with the increasing use of technology, means that kids are "more sedentary than ever before", she explained.
"Make sure that they get up and moving about as often as possible and keep a close eye on how much time they're spending being inactive in front of the TV, computer or games consoles," Ms Schofield advised.
In addition, she said that grandparents, as well as parents, have a role in encouraging children to take part in outdoor play activities.
The comments come following a report by chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson which outlined the need for young people to exercise more.
It stated that child fitness levels in the UK are falling by nine per cent every decade.
Amy Schofield, editor of education and parenting website mychild.co.uk, said that children growing up in the UK are "much more restricted" than in the past, as few parents feel safe letting their children play in the street.
This coupled with the increasing use of technology, means that kids are "more sedentary than ever before", she explained.
"Make sure that they get up and moving about as often as possible and keep a close eye on how much time they're spending being inactive in front of the TV, computer or games consoles," Ms Schofield advised.
In addition, she said that grandparents, as well as parents, have a role in encouraging children to take part in outdoor play activities.
The comments come following a report by chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson which outlined the need for young people to exercise more.
It stated that child fitness levels in the UK are falling by nine per cent every decade.
