From Screens to Sunshine: Rescuing Children’s Outdoor Playtime in the Digital Era

Gopal Singh Charan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3382-1636 pedslove@gmail.com, Raman Kalia, […], and Gursharan Singh Narang

In today’s digital era, the decline in children’s outdoor playtime with excessive screen usage has raised concerns about their long-term physical health, mental well-being and overall development. This article highlights the importance of prioritizing and promoting outdoor play to ensure a balanced childhood experience. The decline in outdoor play can be attributed to factors such as increased technology usage, academic pressures, safety concerns and changing societal attitudes. However, outdoor play is crucial for children’s holistic development as it contributes to improved physical health, cognitive stimulation, social interaction and emotional well-being. The decline in outdoor play and excessive screen time has been associated with various health issues, including mental health problems, disrupted sleep patterns, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-like behavior and physical health risks. To reclaim outdoor playtime, practical strategies are proposed. These include reevaluating priorities to strike a balance between technology usage and outdoor activities, promoting nature education in schools, creating safe outdoor spaces, encouraging parental involvement, addressing safety concerns, limiting screen time, nurturing environmental stewardship, fostering collaboration between schools and communities and advocating for supportive policies. By implementing these strategies and shifting cultural norms, we can provide children with a healthier and more well-rounded childhood experience, supporting their overall well-being and development in the digital era.

Introduction

In today’s digital era, children are growing up in a world dominated by screens. Whether it’s smartphones, tablets, or gaming consoles, technology has become an integral part of their daily lives. While the advantages of the digital age are undeniable, they have also contributed to reducing outdoor playtime among children. This shift raises concerns about the long-term effects on their physical health, mental well-being and overall development. It is crucial to prioritize and promote outdoor play to ensure a balanced childhood experience.

In recent decades, there has been a significant surge in the technological advancements accessible to children, driven by the emergence of wireless high-speed internet and the growing portability and affordability of electronic devices. Integrating technology into children’s lives presents dynamic and evolving challenges for families, as it influences how they organize their daily routines and potentially leads to disparities in technology usage among different social groups. Moreover, the extensive use of technology among children has the potential to displace healthy behaviors that are crucial for their overall well-being.

Research has shown that children from highly educated parents exhibited the lowest levels of technology use. Another study observed that technology usage was linked to reduced physical activity during middle childhood. On the other hand, it was associated with increased play during early childhood and enhanced sleep during middle childhood.1

By understanding the complex relationship between technology use and outdoor play, strategies can be developed to strike a balance that promotes the holistic development of children. It is essential to address the challenges posed by technology and encourage children to engage in outdoor play, fostering their physical fitness, social interactions, creativity and emotional well-being. Delving deeper into the reasons behind the decline in outdoor playtime and exploring effective approaches to reestablish a healthy connection between children and the outdoors remain the focus. Evidence suggests that children worldwide are shifting their focus from nature to digital media. In the United States, children spend over two hours daily on-screen activities. In comparison, Indian children spend an average of 2.7 hours.2,3

The Decline in Outdoor Play

Over the past few decades, there has been a significant decline in children’s outdoor play. Several factors contribute to this shift, including the rise of technology, increased academic pressures, safety concerns and changing societal attitudes due to COVID-19. The allure of digital entertainment has drawn children indoors, captivating their attention for hours on end. Additionally, schools have increased academic demands, leaving children with limited free time for unstructured outdoor play. Parents, too, may feel pressured to prioritize academics over play, inadvertently limiting their children’s outdoor experiences. Moreover, growing safety concerns and a general perception of the outdoors as risky have led to overprotective parenting practices, further restricting children’s access to outdoor play.

The Importance of Outdoor Play

Outdoor play is not merely a recreational activity; it is essential for children’s holistic development. Engaging in outdoor activities offers tangible advantages for physical health, including enhanced cardiovascular fitness, refined motor skills and increased synthesis of Vitamin D.4 Beyond physical well-being, outdoor play stimulates cognitive, social and emotional growth. Nature provides an ideal setting for children to explore, experiment and develop problem-solving skills. The sensory experiences of the natural world enhance their creativity and imagination, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity.5 The combination of physical activity and cognitive play experiences in nature play contributes to children’s overall development and well-being.6 Moreover, outdoor play offers opportunities for children to engage in unstructured social interactions, learn conflict resolution and develop crucial social skills. Being immersed in nature also has a calming effect, reducing stress and improving mental well-being. Overall, outdoor play provides a holistic environment for children’s growth, nurturing their physical, cognitive, social and emotional development.

Health Issues

The decline in outdoor play, coupled with excessive screen time, has precipitated a range of health issues among children, emphasizing the crucial need to address these concerns and comprehend the ways in which outdoor play can ameliorate them.

Mental Health

Mental well-being is paramount, acknowledging that screen time and physical activity patterns take shape during the formative early childhood years (0–5 years) and exert substantial influence on various health and developmental outcomes, including psychosocial well-being. Social skills, the fundamental component of psychosocial well-being, wield profound significance in children’s preparedness for schooling and their future mental health.7

Screen time and lack of physical activity are two prominent risk behaviors that often appear during early childhood. These risk behaviors involve activities related to screen-based devices like television, DVDs, electronic games and computers. Importantly, these behaviors often persist or remain relatively stable as children transition into middle childhood.8–10

Excessive screen time has negative effects on various aspects of psychological health. One of the consequences is the disruption of sleep patterns, which can lead to depression, self-harm, poorer cognitive development, attentional problems and other externalizing behaviors. Additionally, behaviors characteristic of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been associated with sleep disturbances. Overall, screen time and exposure to stimulating content trigger dopamine release and activate reward pathways in the brain. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to violent content early is associated with higher risk of engaging in antisocial behavior and reduced likelihood of displaying prosocial behavior.11–16

Children who engage in excessive screen time tend to exhibit reduced empathy toward others. Excessive exposure to screen media can desensitize children to the emotions and needs of others, as they become more engrossed in virtual worlds rather than face-to-face interactions. Frequent exposure to rapid, immediate gratification in digital environments can undermine children’s patience and self-control, leading to impulsive behaviors. Diminished impulse control can manifest as difficulty in managing emotions, making thoughtful decisions and adhering to rules and boundaries. Lack of empathetic skills can hinder children’s ability to develop meaningful relationships, understand the perspectives of others and contribute positively to their communities. Screen time addiction reduces social coping and is accompanied by yearning behavior similar to substance dependence. Digital media addiction is associated with structural alterations in the brain involving cognitive control and emotional regulation.17,18 Studies highlight that screen time-induced behavior similar to ADHD can result in incorrect ADHD diagnoses. Interestingly, reducing screen time has proven effective in addressing ADHD-related behavior. Notably, screen exposure between ages 0 and 3 is associated with autistic-like behaviors during preschool years. An association between higher average daily screen time and an increased association between screen use and autistic-like behaviors in children aged 0–3 years.11,19

Physical Health

Excessive screen time poses many physical health risks, including compromised sleep quality, elevated cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, reduced HDL cholesterol levels, impaired stress regulation and insulin resistance. Additionally, adverse effects such as vision impairments and decreased bone density may arise. Furthermore, they bear associations with critical health and developmental outcomes across the lifespan, impacting weight management, musculoskeletal health, cardiovascular risk factors, cognitive development, academic performance and psychosocial well-being from early childhood to adolescence. Significantly, increased physical activity levels and reduced screen time correlate with positive outcomes.20,21

Vitamin D deficiency emerges as a concern due to prolonged indoor stays and limited exposure to sunlight, particularly affecting children. Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in calcium absorption and supports healthy bone development. Insufficient levels of vitamin D can lead to weakened bones, heightened fracture susceptibility and conditions like rickets. Engaging in outdoor play, especially during daylight hours, enables children to naturally acquire vitamin D from sunlight, nurturing bone health and overall well-being.22,23 Excessive screen time often accompanies a sedentary lifestyle, leading to muscular weakness, poor muscle tone and unfavorable body composition. Conversely, outdoor play involves dynamic physical movements like running, jumping, climbing and balancing, fostering muscular strength, coordination and healthy body weight. Regular participation in outdoor activities contributes to a robust physique and aesthetic appeal, which refer to an individual’s physical appearance, visual attractiveness and pleasing qualities.

Outdoor play and reduced screen time are crucial for appetite and digestion regulation. Sedentary behavior and excessive screen exposure disrupt metabolism and appetite control, while inadequate physical activity contributes to sluggish digestion and constipation. Outdoor play stimulates the appetite, facilitates proper digestion and supports gastrointestinal health. It enhances appetite regulation, aids digestion and mitigates the risk of digestive ailments. Children who engage in regular outdoor play exhibit healthier appetites, improved digestion and reduced digestive problems. Prolonged screen time and near-vision activities strain the eyes, potentially leading to vision-related complications. Spending time outdoors provides respite from close-range screens, allowing the eyes to relax and focus on distant objects, reducing the risk of myopia. Engaging in outdoor play allows children to be exposed to natural light, which aids in their visual maturation and is a preventive measure against specific eye conditions. Moreover, there is evidence suggesting that the presence of daylight in classrooms can help in preventing myopia.24,25

Reclaiming Outdoor Playtime

Reversing the decline in outdoor play requires a concerted effort from parents, educators, policymakers and society as a whole. Here are some practical strategies to reconnect children with the sunshine:

Rethinking Priorities

It is imperative that caregivers and pedagogues comprehend the significance of outdoor recreation and accord it comparable precedence to academics. Striking a harmonious equilibrium between the duration spent on digital devices and the time allotted for outdoor frolics should be a collective aspiration, assuring young minds abundant occasions to immerse themselves in the natural realm and interact with their peers.

In the modern era, as technological advancements progressively dominate daily life, the inclination towards sedentary indoor activities has surged precipitously. Consequently, the tangible benefits of venturing outdoors have become marginalized, potentially compromising children’s holistic development. To counteract this, a paradigm shift is necessitated, wherein parents and educators reevaluate their conventional mindset and realign their priorities.

Outdoor play encompasses a multitude of enriching experiences that foster physical, cognitive and socio-emotional growth. By venturing outside, children partake in imaginative endeavors, honing their creativity and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, exposure to the natural environment augments their sensory development and cultivates an appreciation for biodiversity.12–13

Moreover, outdoor play engenders vital social interactions, allowing youngsters to refine their communication skills, build friendships and learn to navigate conflicts independently. The unstructured nature of outdoor play liberates children from the constraints of a regimented academic setting, fostering self-direction and fostering resilience.

Hence, it is incumbent upon parents and educators to reevaluate their priorities and recognize the indispensability of outdoor play. By embracing a balanced approach that values both academics and outdoor recreation, we can ensure the holistic development of our children, nurturing their physical, cognitive and socio-emotional well-being in unison.

Promoting Nature Education

Schools must embrace the integration of nature-based education within their curriculum. By incorporating regular outdoor learning experiences, educational institutions can cultivate a profound connection between students and the natural world while augmenting their academic achievements.

Recognizing that individuals’ pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors are profoundly shaped by their daily encounters with nature, providing ample opportunities for students to engage with the natural environment is imperative. Through immersive experiences in their immediate surroundings, students develop deep-rooted appreciation, establish meaningful connections and gain a comprehensive understanding, ultimately fostering a heightened commitment to protect and conserve the environment.15

Schools can unlock many benefits by seamlessly intertwining subjects such as science, art and physical education with nature-based activities. Scientific exploration amidst natural settings facilitates hands-on learning and instills a sense of wonder and curiosity, encouraging students to become lifelong learners and environmental stewards. Incorporating art within nature education allows individuals to express their creativity while capturing the beauty and intricacies of the natural world, fostering a deeper emotional connection. Furthermore, outdoor physical education activities enable students to experience the physical and mental health benefits associated with exercise in nature, reinforcing the significance of outdoor spaces.

Creating Safe Outdoor Spaces

Communities should put serious effort into designing and constructing child-friendly outdoor play areas. These spaces should be meticulously crafted with the well-being and safety of children at the forefront. With advanced engineering techniques and strict safety standards, playgrounds and parks can be constructed to minimize potential hazards while maximizing the potential for joy, exploration and social interaction.

Moreover, accessibility is a fundamental aspect of inclusive outdoor spaces. Communities should strive to ensure that these areas are easily reachable and usable by children of all abilities. Incorporating features such as wheelchair-accessible paths, inclusive play equipment and sensory elements promotes inclusivity and fosters empathy, understanding and social integration among children.

Encouraging Parental Involvement

Encouraging parental involvement is a pivotal factor in facilitating outdoor play for children. It is essential for parents to actively promote and support their children’s engagement in outdoor activities, accompanying them to parks and setting positive examples of healthy outdoor behaviors. Parental involvement strengthens family bonds and reinforces the intrinsic value of outdoor play. Children who regularly experience natural settings for recreational activities in the company of their parents are more likely to develop a strong affinity for nature. The increased opportunities to explore and immerse themselves in the natural environment foster a deep connection and appreciation for the world around them. Conversely, when parents limit or discourage outdoor play, it diminishes both the chances and the inclination for children to interact with nature, potentially contributing to what is known as the “extinction of experience” phenomenon. This phenomenon refers to the diminishing contact between individuals and the natural world, decreasing environmental awareness and concern.

Despite the significance of family members in shaping children’s experiences with nature, the precise extent of their influence still needs to be comprehensively understood. However, parents are powerful in guiding their children’s relationship with the outdoors. By actively encouraging and participating in outdoor activities, parents can instill a lifelong love for nature and cultivate environmentally conscious behaviors in their children.26,27

Overcoming Safety Concerns

While safety concerns are valid, it is essential to balance ensuring children’s safety and allowing them to explore and take reasonable risks. Educating parents and society about the benefits of outdoor play and dispelling exaggerated fears can help alleviate concerns. Encouraging responsible supervision, implementing safety measures in public spaces and promoting awareness of outdoor safety guidelines can also contribute to a safer outdoor play environment.

Limiting Screen Time

Setting reasonable limits on screen time is crucial in encouraging outdoor play. Parents should establish technology-free zones or specific time slots dedicated to outdoor activities. Encouraging alternative forms of entertainment, such as reading, art, sports, or gardening, can also help reduce reliance on screens. A meta-analysis has confirmed the presence of unfavorable associations between screen time and unfavorable outcomes in infants and toddlers but not necessarily in preschoolers. The results regarding movement behaviors were mixed, although physical activity and outdoor play, particularly, showed positive associations with most sleep outcomes in toddlers and preschoolers.28

Nurturing Environmental Stewardship

Educating youngsters regarding the paramount significance of ecological preservation can imbue them with a profound sense of duty and an intimate bond with the natural world. Involving them in endeavors such as horticulture, recycling, or actively participating in communal initiatives aimed at cleaning up the environment can foster their environmental stewardship and offer them occasions for immersive outdoor experiences. These endeavors enable children to genuinely appreciate nature’s delicate balance and empower them to become conscientious guardians of our planet, ensuring its sustainable well-being for future generations.

Collaboration Between Schools and Communities

The symbiotic alliance between educational institutions and neighboring communities can create a harmonious convergence that cultivates outdoor play. Schools can forge affiliations with local organizations and businesses through seamless cooperation, ushering in abundant resources and unwavering support for this cause. Joint endeavors may encompass orchestrated outdoor events, immersive nature-based excursions, or strategic alliances with outdoor recreation programs. Through these collaborative efforts, a formidable collective emerges, steadfast in their commitment to champion and elevate the significance of outdoor play, thereby instilling a resounding impetus within society to prioritize this invaluable aspect of childhood development. Encourage group activities and social play, where children can learn cooperation, communication and empathy through peer interactions. Prioritize unscheduled playtime, allowing children to engage in unstructured play, which promotes problem-solving, self-discovery and independent thinking.

Advocacy and Policy Development

Efforts to promote outdoor play must go beyond collaboration, including astute lobbying and prudent policy formulation. Policymakers must recognize the critical significance of outdoor play in the overall development of children and work hard to implement policies that protect their access to outside places. This includes investing funding to build parks and playgrounds, including outdoor play in the school curriculum and advocating for legislation promoting safe and healthy outside settings.

Notably, countries in East Asia, like Taiwan and Singapore, have set remarkable precedents by implementing public policies that address myopia seamlessly woven into their education systems. These policies ardently emphasize integrating outdoor activities during school hours, recognizing the profound impact such initiatives can have on children’s vision and overall well-being.29

While it is plausible that children may have more freedom to engage in outdoor pursuits, it is essential to acknowledge that in various nations, medium-to-long-term social distancing measures may impose restrictions on outdoor activities, potentially leading to an upsurge in indoor digital recreation. The surge in screen-based leisure is deemed unfavorable due to its potential consequences on children’s well-being.29

Shifting Cultural Norms

Research illuminates the profound impact of technology-driven media (TDM) on child culture, leading to a resurgence of outdoor play. This trend is observed amidst diverse assessments by teachers and parents regarding the influence of TDM. Parents exhibit more optimistic outlook towards TDM’s contributions than teachers. The alarming trend of humans becoming increasingly disconnected from nature, often called the “extinction of experience,” raises significant worries for two primary reasons. First, this trend signifies the loss of the numerous health benefits that the natural world provides. Direct interaction with nature offers many advantages that contribute to well-being. Second, this detachment means missing out on many positive outcomes from engaging with nature, which fosters overall well-being.30

Conclusion

Reclaiming children’s outdoor playtime in the digital era requires concerted efforts from parents, educators, policymakers and society as a whole. The decline in outdoor play, caused by the dominance of screens and technology, has led to various physical and mental health issues while hindering holistic development. It is crucial to recognize the importance of outdoor play, as it offers numerous benefits for children’s physical health, cognitive development, social interactions and emotional well-being. Strategies such as reevaluating priorities, promoting nature education, creating safe outdoor spaces, encouraging parental involvement, overcoming safety concerns, limiting screen time, nurturing environmental stewardship, fostering collaboration between schools and communities and advocating for supportive policies are necessary to promote outdoor play and shift cultural norms. By prioritizing and promoting outdoor play, we can provide a healthier and more balanced childhood experience, ensuring the well-being and development of children in today’s technology-driven world.

Statement of Informed Consent and Ethical Approval

In accordance with ethical principles and informed consent guidelines, this research article does not include any primary data from human subjects or animals, as it is a perspective review article.

Declaration of Conflicting Interests

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

Funding

The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

Footnote

Gopal Singh Charan: Concept and design of article, writing manuscript in scientific manner, Editing and refinement of the manuscript, Addressing and resolving issues related to plagiarism, Final approval of the version to be published.

Raman Kalia: Concept and design of article, writing manuscript in scientific manner, critique and language editing, Addressing and resolving issues related to plagiarism, Final approval of the version to be published.

Mandeep Singh Khurana and Gursharn Singh Narang: Writing manuscript in scientific manner, Final approval of the version to be published.