UK Children Prefer Screens Over Outdoor Play

Recent research reveals that British children are spending less than four hours a week exercising outside of school while clocking in over 14 hours on screens. A survey of 2,000 parents found that kids dedicate five and a half hours to watching TV, five hours to gaming, and over four hours on social media, contrasting sharply with just three and a half hours spent reading. Many parents (69%) struggle to motivate their children to be active, with 38% believing their kids see video games as a form of exercise. To combat this trend, AXA Health has partnered with Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas, who emphasizes the importance of parents setting a positive example and engaging in family fitness activities. Dr. John Burke from AXA Health highlights the significance of outdoor play for children's health, especially in today's digital-centric environment. The study underscores the challenges of encouraging physical activity amidst rising screen time.