Outdoor play activities are 'important for forming friendships'
05/08/2010 Allowing children to take part in outdoor play activities with other kids without supervision is "important", one expert has suggested.
Penny Nicholls, director of children and young people at the Children's Society, said that, while it is important to be aware of the issues that concern children and provide help and support, adults must allow kids to explore and learn for themselves.
Ms Nicholls said that the restrictions on outdoor play activities, which have emerged since the previous generation were young, are affecting the opportunities children have for forming friendships.
"Often it's through friendship that children learn about how to form relationships [and] how to manage conflict in a relationship ? a very important part of their development," she explained.
The comments come after a survey by Play England found that 73 per cent of children would like more time to participate in outdoor play activities in the area where they live.
Despite the poll discovering that many parents are less willing to let their children play outside, 81 per cent of people said that when kids are involved in outdoor play activities it improves community spirit.
Penny Nicholls, director of children and young people at the Children's Society, said that, while it is important to be aware of the issues that concern children and provide help and support, adults must allow kids to explore and learn for themselves.
Ms Nicholls said that the restrictions on outdoor play activities, which have emerged since the previous generation were young, are affecting the opportunities children have for forming friendships.
"Often it's through friendship that children learn about how to form relationships [and] how to manage conflict in a relationship ? a very important part of their development," she explained.
The comments come after a survey by Play England found that 73 per cent of children would like more time to participate in outdoor play activities in the area where they live.
Despite the poll discovering that many parents are less willing to let their children play outside, 81 per cent of people said that when kids are involved in outdoor play activities it improves community spirit.
