A third of children spend less than an hour a day outdoors in summertime, study finds

A third of British children spend less than an hour a day outside in summertime, research has revealed. A study of 2,000 parents, with children aged five to 15, found 22 percent say their kids will spend as many as four days or more inside, in a row.

Playing on games consoles, chatting to friends online, and watching TV, are just some of the indoor activities kids will favour over the great outdoors.

But seven in 10 parents (71 percent) are keen for their youngsters to get more fresh air and exercise, knowing it is good for their health (73 percent).

The top reasons for so much time spent indoors were due to their child putting up a fuss about the weather, and not having appropriate clothing, according to the research commissioned by TK Maxx – which has children’s activewear and equipment available in-store.

A spokesman from the brand said: “Everyone knows the importance of getting kids playing outside – and with the Easter holidays in full swing, parents across the UK are encouraging their kids to embrace the outdoors.

“According to our research, parents say that having access to sporting equipment, at better value, encourages kids to spend time outside.”

The study went on to find parents will argue with their kids twice a week about spending more time outdoors.

And half of those expecting to bicker admit they’re already mentally preparing for the battles they’re going to face about getting children out the door.

Four in 10 mums and dads, who wish their kids went outside more, feel this way because they remember doing so when they were children, and it did them good.

And 35 percent believe it helps kids build real and lasting friendships – while 17 percent worry their children are overweight for their age.

Parents also say when children spend more time outdoors, their overall mood improves (48 percent), they sleep better (46 percent), and they’re more positive (34 percent).

Nearly two-thirds of those polled (65 percent) believe they spent more time outdoors when they were children, than their own offspring do now.

But just under seven in 10 (68 percent) reckon they set a positive example by spending time outside, according to the OnePoll.com figures.