‘Girls play outside less than boys even at two years old, UK survey reveals’ - @Guardian theguardian.com/education/20… Girls play outside in nature less than boys even at the age of two, according to the first national survey of play among preschool-age children in Britain. “The results highlight inequalities in play even in the youngest age group, which may exacerbate existing inequalities in health” The research, which was carried out by a team from the universities of Exeter and Cambridge, surveyed more than 1,100 parents and carers of children aged two, three and four in England, Scotland and Wales. They were asked about the time children spent playing in a range of locations including at home, in a garden, on the street, in a playground or out in green space. Researchers then calculated the amount of time allowed for play overall, play outdoors and ‘adventurous’ play time. They found that preschool children spent approximately four hours a day at play, of which one hour and 45 minutes was spent playing outdoors, mainly in back gardens at home. Away from home, children played in playgrounds and green spaces, with the most adventurous play usually associated with indoor play centres. An 2012 study focusing on children’s play aged five to 11 revealed a generational decline in children’s freedom to play out unsupervised. It also found that children who spent more time playing outdoors had fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. @DrHelenDodd, professor of child psychology at the @UniofExeter, conducted that survey and co-led a subsequent sister study focusing on preschool children. “When children play in nature, they’re more likely to be active, to play in an adventurous way like climbing trees, and to connect with and learn about nature,” she said. “Problems may arise if children have not had enough opportunity to play adventurously and to learn about managing feelings of uncertainty and anxiety in a playful way.” 🏫🚸🌿🍁🍂🪵 🚲 🛴 🛹🛼 🛝 🏃🏼‍♂️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏾👩‍🦽🚴🏿🚏🚶🏻🤸🏾‍♂️🤸🏼‍♂️🌳🏘️ #PlaySufficiency #FreePlay #Play #PhysicalLiteracy #PhysicalActivity #ActiveTravel #PlayStreet #SchoolStreets #StreetPlay #HomeZones #Parks #FreerangeUrbanNeighbourhoods #FUN #Playces #Splace #Playgrounds #KnowBallGames #UNCRC #Article31