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Are today's children getting the kinds of play opportunities they need?
Fifty years ago, most parents would have been happy to let their children play outside. But with increased traffic and fear of abduction, it seems that fewer youngsters are now allowed out unsupervised. Twenty-first century toys - from computers and console games to DVDs and mobile phones - can also offer new worlds of interactivity and exploration. But for the sake of their health and independence, do we need to bring back some of the freedom to play that kids used to have?
Last updated: 31 March 2009
Concerns about children's freedom to roam and play independently today came through strongly in focus group research carried out by the Institute of Welsh Affairs on behalf of BBC Wales. Both parents and grandparents felt they had much more freedom to play and to roam freely without supervision, compared to children today. Many of the adults felt that the experience of childhood today had deteriorated as a result.
You can read more about the research in our news section and download a full copy of the report. We also asked you to send in your comments about childhood and whether or not you would swap your childhood for growing up today.
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Facts and figures
- 82% of children aged 7-10 in Wales have a TV in their bedroom
- 71% of children aged 7-10 in Wales prefer to play outside
- 60% of children aged 7-10 in Wales watch more than 2 hours of TV a day
