Parents are too scared to let their children play outside

Jun 28 2011 by Cameron Hay, Paisley Daily Express

ALMOST a quarter of young Buddies are never allowed to play outside while unsupervised, a shocking new study has revealed.

An astonishing 24 per cent of parents admit they never let their youngsters play outdoors on their own without an adult being present.

The study, which was carried out for holiday specialists Thomson Al Fresco, also found that more than half of all children actually want to play outside more often than they currently do.

But many parents refuse to allow this because they are fearful of strangers approaching their children.

Almost three out of 10 parents admit they are concerned that busy streets mean allowing their little ones to play outside unsupervised could risk injury.

And 26 per cent admit their kids don’t play outside often because they are happier playing computer games or watching TV.

Thomson Al Fresco managing director Nick Riggs said: “Parents are understandably concerned about the safety of their own young children but we were shocked to discover that so many youngsters are simply not allowed to ever play outside when an adult isn’t present, even if it is right outside their own home.

“Busier streets and stranger danger are clearly the two big concerns all the parents we spoke to share and yet, when the British family goes on holiday, those fears and concerns seem to dim significantly.

“Families are clearly more relaxed when they are away from home on holiday.”