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.
While researchers expect to see older children socialised to particular gender roles, they were shocked to see similar patterns of behaviour starting to emerge at such a young age.
They fear it could have long-term implications for girls’ health, as girls are less physically active as they get older and are more likely than boys to have difficulties with their mental health.
The study also found that preschool-age children from a minority ethnic background play less outdoors than their white counterparts, and children in urban areas play less outdoors than those in rural areas.
“The results highlight inequalities in play even in the youngest age group, which may exacerbate existing inequalities in health,” the report concluded.
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.
“These commercial play opportunities are a relatively new addition to western societies and their popularity is growing,” the report said. “This popularity may be driven by indoor play centres providing adventurous play experiences for children that overcome some of the barriers to outdoor adventurous play such as traffic, weather and safety concerns.”
Dr Kathryn Hesketh, who co-led the study at the Medical Research Council (MRC) epidemiology unit at the University of Cambridge, said: “It’s concerning that at age two we’re already seeing these differences in the time that boys and girls play outdoors in nature.
“Older children tend to be socialised to particular gender roles, and girls may then spend less time playing outside in nature. We didn’t expect to see this pattern as early as age two, and given the link between playing outdoors and physical activity, girls may already be at a disadvantage very early in life.”
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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.
Helen Dodd, professor of child psychology at the University of Exeter, 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.”
