Do you play outdoors after school?

What do you do after school? If the answer is gaming or watching TV, you are not on your own.

A new report which surveyed children from one UK city, found that one in three children do not play outdoors after school and a fifth do not play outdoors on the weekend.

Outdoor play has long been known to have a positive effect on children's wellbeing, but the research also found that it improved children's social and emotional skills.

The researchers said outdoor play had generally declined.

How often do you play outdoors after school and at the weekend?

Where do you go?

Let us know in the comments below...

The study, by the University of Exeter, looked at 2,500 children between the ages of seven and 12 who live in Bradford.

The study is part of the 'Born in Bradford' research programme that studies children born in the city.

Researchers found outdoor play had a positive effect on children's social and emotional skills.

This is the ability to manage and express emotions and behaviours and means they are better able to build relationships and interact with other people.

Earlier this year, a study by the Raising the Nation Play Commission found outdoor play in England has declined by 50%.

Dr Mark Ferguson, lead researcher, said: "Simple measures such as creating play-friendly residential areas and safer urban environments where families can relax, exercise, socialise, and play can make a big difference."

Prof Rosie McEachan, the director of the Born in Bradford programme, said: "This study shows how important it is for children's mental health to get off their screens and play outdoors after school and at weekends."

How often do you play outdoors after school and at the weekend? Where do you go?

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