PARENTS and carers of children aged 18 and under living in the West Midlands believe their own childhood was safer than their own children’s.
And more than half believed their childhoods were easier and full of better experiences.
A YouGov survey of 363 parents and carers in the West Midlands commissioned by the NSPCC to analyse children’s playing habits also found that 53 per cent of participants want their children to play more in person.
A third of parents across the West Midlands believe the biggest barrier to their child playing more in person is concerns over their safety.
Other barriers identified include: the cost-of-living crisis, such as preventing families from being able to afford clubs, weather, the accessibility of going online and lack of friends to play with.
Overall, findings across the UK showed that 38 per cent of parents believe their child plays online every day or multiple times a day.
Once children reach their teens, this increases, with 53 per cent of parents of 12–16-year-olds saying their children within that age group play online at least once a day.
The NSPCC called on families to come together and celebrate the joys of childhood, while also encouraging people to play their part to help keep children safe on its fourth annual Childhood Day on June 6.
Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the NSPCC said: “It is human nature to want something better for your children, but our latest research suggests that parents today believe we are trending in the wrong direction in terms of childhood experiences.
“Lack of in-person play for children is a particular concern for parents, something we all have a responsibility to try and address. Children and young people playing more with their friends and family, both inside and outside, can only be a good thing for their physical and mental health and general sense of wellbeing.
“The NSPCC’s Childhood Day is all about bringing families, friends and communities together to celebrate childhood and give everyone a really fun and positive in-person experience, while at the same time seeking to raise vital funds for the charity.”
Lidl GB is sponsored the NSPCC’s Childhood Day for a fourth year as retail sponsor. Lidl GB has been partnered with the NSPCC for eight years, raising over £10million for the charity in this time.
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