Kids missing out on the benefits of outdoor play activities
21/08/2009 According to new research, children are spending nearly nine hours every day in front of technology, suggesting they are not spending enough time indulging in outdoor play activities.
The study by npower uncovered the trend and found that two-thirds of youngsters polled would "feel lost" without their phones and gadgets.
TV still grabs children's attention the longest, as they watch the box for 19 hours every week – as well as giving kids 'square eyes' all these tempting technologies are energy draining too, hampering their desire for outdoor exercise, according to the research.
Commenting on the findings, Ellen Ferguson, education manager at Childnet International, said that parents should worry "if their children exhibit major reluctance to remove themselves from technology".
Ms Ferguson added that although "some time online actually builds skills and many learning opportunities are up for grabs", families need to keep an eye on how much time is actually spent online.
The study by npower uncovered the trend and found that two-thirds of youngsters polled would "feel lost" without their phones and gadgets.
TV still grabs children's attention the longest, as they watch the box for 19 hours every week – as well as giving kids 'square eyes' all these tempting technologies are energy draining too, hampering their desire for outdoor exercise, according to the research.
Commenting on the findings, Ellen Ferguson, education manager at Childnet International, said that parents should worry "if their children exhibit major reluctance to remove themselves from technology".
Ms Ferguson added that although "some time online actually builds skills and many learning opportunities are up for grabs", families need to keep an eye on how much time is actually spent online.
