Safety fears 'impacting on outdoor play activities'
14/06/2010 Fears about germs and poor hygiene are preventing children from taking part in outdoor play activities, a new survey has shown.
The research, which was sponsored by Dettol, found that 96 per cent of parents are concerned about where their children take part in outdoor play activities due to issues with hygiene, the Express reports.
Over 50 per cent said that their children mainly spend their time playing in the house, with a further 39 per cent stating that their children were only allowed to take part in outdoor play activities when they were supervised by an adult.
Dr Lisa Ackerley, a mother of three and environmental health and food safety consultant, told the news provider: "As a result of sedentary play, today's children are not getting enough exercise, socially they may grow up with reduced social skills and fewer friends."
More than half of mothers who took part in the survey said that their careers made it difficult for them to dedicate time to outdoor play activities.
Speaking to the Independent, Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, author of Tired but Wired, also highlighted recently that exercising outdoors helps people to sleep better at night.
The research, which was sponsored by Dettol, found that 96 per cent of parents are concerned about where their children take part in outdoor play activities due to issues with hygiene, the Express reports.
Over 50 per cent said that their children mainly spend their time playing in the house, with a further 39 per cent stating that their children were only allowed to take part in outdoor play activities when they were supervised by an adult.
Dr Lisa Ackerley, a mother of three and environmental health and food safety consultant, told the news provider: "As a result of sedentary play, today's children are not getting enough exercise, socially they may grow up with reduced social skills and fewer friends."
More than half of mothers who took part in the survey said that their careers made it difficult for them to dedicate time to outdoor play activities.
Speaking to the Independent, Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, author of Tired but Wired, also highlighted recently that exercising outdoors helps people to sleep better at night.
