The Enid Blyton Estate is urging children to get outside and be more adventurous this summer after a study found that children’s summer holiday habits reveal less adventure and imagination, time outdoors and fresh air compared to their parents’ generation.
The findings, commissioned to mark the release of new covers for the Famous Five books, found that playing on devices and watching movies are proving far more popular for children than playing outside (83% vs. 63%), and that children are spending almost 2 hours more each week on electronic devices than playing outside in the fresh air.
Over half (53%) of parents claim that their children are far too reliant on electronic devices. Parents also cited that they spent more time per week playing outside compared to their children, with nearly one in two of them (41%) worried that their children are missing out on the great adventures they experienced whilst growing up.
When asked what their child did most over the summer holidays, parents revealed that they spent most of their time:
- Playing on devices and watching movies (83%)
- Playing outside (63%)
- Playing with toys and board games (40%)
- Sporting activities (39%)
- Visiting relatives (39%)
- On holiday in the UK (36%)
- Going to the shops (33%)
- Reading books (32%)
- Cooking or baking (32%)
- Visiting different towns and cities (25%)
- On holiday abroad (24%)
- Camping (18%)
- Taking part in summer schools and workshops (17%)
The survey also revealed that:
- Over half of children (57%) only spend a maximum of 1.4 hours per day outside
- Only 17% of children, not even one in five, play for more than 2 hours outdoors per day, compared to 36% (over one in three) of parents when they were of similar age
- Nearly all parents (92%) don’t mind if their children get mucky when they’re out playing
Have a look at how your kids compare with others around the country!
How Adventurous Are Your Children?
What will your children be doing this summer, and how does it compare to what your own summers were like?
Predictions for the summer
Inspired by the imaginative play found in the Famous Five and the Adventure Series, the Enid Blyton Estate has partnered with The National Trust and is launching the Enid Blyton Summer of Adventure, which includes a programme of events and activity.
Family friendly partners to be revealed closer to the time will provide ideas such as creating imaginative walks in the park to cooking up tasty treats in the kitchen. These can be found at www.enidblyton.co.uk/adventureday, a new website offering tips, advice and downloads to help families be more adventurous this summer.
Details are also shortly to be announced for an action-packed day at the National Trust’s property Corfe Castle for Famous Five fans.
Visit www.enidblyton.co.uk/adventureday for more information on what to expect this Adventure Day (11th August).
