“Outdoor play hits a lot of different development needs, including social connection. Imagine if you are feeling frustrated and you are stuck inside, the ways of expressing that are limited compared to if you can climb and jump around.
“If you ask people what is their favourite memory from childhood, it often involves playing outdoors, it’s so core to our development and our happiness.
“These days parents often prioritise a music or dance class, but play is almost so simple that we forget how important it is.”
Prof Dodd said children were often not playing outside also because of increased screentime, but also as parents did not have the time to watch them, or because children lacked the clothes to stay warm or cool.
The Government has committed £18m to refurbish and upgrade play areas, but Prof Dodd said that across the country “that’s not a lot of money”.
Haroon Chowdry, the chief executive of the Centre for Young Lives, agreed that “No ball games” signs were detrimental for children.
“Outdoor play is one of the most powerful tools we have to boost children’s mental and physical health, wellbeing and confidence,” said Mr Chowdry.
“It is more crucial than ever, with so many children growing up less active, unhealthier and unhappier than their parents and grandparents.
‘No ball games’ culture
“Yet over recent decades we’ve made it harder for children to play out, taking away many outdoor play opportunities, reducing school play time, and allowing a “No ball games” culture to grow, sending a clear message to children that play is not welcome or important.
“We need to dismantle these barriers and get our children playing out again. That should include a national ban on “No ball games” signs and updating bylaws for parks to help create the welcoming, healthy, and active play-friendly spaces our children need and deserve.”
The study is published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
