Most children have been shouted at for playing outdoors, says a survey

A surprising number of youngsters are being told off by adults who object to the noise and disturbance, says the Children's Society.

The charity cites the case of an eight-year-old girl in west Somerset who was stopped from cycling down her street because a neighbour complained the wheels squeaked.

In another case, an irate neighbour burst a ball belonging to a three-year-old boy every time it bounced over her hedge.

The charity's research with 2,600 youngsters, aged seven to 16, found two-thirds of them liked to play outside daily, mostly to meet friends.

But 80% had been told off for playing outdoors, and half had been shouted at.

CHILDREN PLAYING OUTSIDE 7-16s told off: 80% 7-16s shouted out: 50% 7-11s told they were "noisy" or a "nuisance": 25% 11-16s threatened with violence: 25%

Of the younger half of the age group, aged 7 to 11, about half had been told off by parents and 15% by neighbours.

One in three said being told off stopped them playing outdoors.

A quarter of this age group had been told they were "making a noise" or being a "nuisance".

Of the over 11s, one in four had been threatened with violence.

Play is healthy

For some reason, 11-year-olds were more likely to be told off than any other age group.

Children's Society's spokesman Tim Linehan said: "Playing outdoors is a fundamental part of everyone's childhood, but that is being threatened by a culture of intolerance towards children's play in public.

FUN IN THE SUN? Your ideas for keeping kids occupied in the summer holidays

"We are in danger of letting grumpy grown-ups tidy our children away."

Tim Gill, the Children's Play Council's director, said: "Children want to get out and play, it's healthy and good for them.

"Everyone agrees children should be able to play safely near their homes.

"But too often a 'not in my back yard' attitude denies children the chance to have fun and meet with their friends, stifling their social development."

The charities called on local authorities to stand up for children in disputes with local residents.

Play bans

Reports of play bans included residents blocking a netball hoop on a village green because they did not want to attract children.

The charities also cited a skateboard park which was refused planning permission because of residents' objections.

There is evidence of an increasing number of byelaws against skateboarding or bike riding and restrictions on children playing in public space Helen Woolley, urban spaces expert, Sheffield University

And one housing estate had 115 No Ball Games signs on its walls, while four out of its five playgrounds were also shut down.

Helen Woolley, urban spaces lecturer at Sheffield University, said: "There is evidence of an increasing number of byelaws against skateboarding or bike riding and restrictions on children playing in public spaces.

"This is socially excluding children from playing in our towns and cities. What are public spaces for if not to bring the community, including children, together?"

The survey was carried out to mark National Playday.