Children 'prefer playing outside'

Children would rather get muddy outdoors with their friends than play computer games, a survey has shown.

Playing outside instead of on the computer was picked by 86% of children in the poll and 72% said they wish they got the chance more often.

The results have been published to mark Playday, an annual celebration of children's play, co-ordinated by the Children's Play Council with Playboard Northern Ireland, Play Scotland and Play Wales.

The majority of the 7-14 year-old respondents (82%) said they liked to play in natural spaces such as parks, gardens and adventure playground instead of streets and car parks.

Adrian Voce, director of the Children's Play Council, said: "What children are telling us is that they want more opportunities to play out, in stimulating natural spaces where they can have fun, be with their friends and use their imagination.

"It is vital for both national and local governments to take this message on board if they are to meet the play needs of today's children and young people."

To mark the 19th annual Playday, the Childrens Play Council have published a research review "Play, naturally".

The report, by Stuart Lester and Martin Maudsley of Playwork Partnerships, looks at the benefits of play on children's health and well-being.

It outlines what parents can do to compensate for the loss of natural play space in recent years.

BMRB interviewed 543 7-14 year olds across the four UK nations in July 2006.