Most parents say their children prefer phone activity to sports

THE vast majority of parents are concerned that exercise and sports has been replaced in their children’s lives by smartphones, new research has found.

A major survey for the GAA found that 86% of parents believe mobile phones have replaced physical activities in their children’s lives.

Almost half of parents (47%) now believe their child prefers to be on their mobile device over being physically active. Meanwhile, children in Ireland now spend as many as two hours each day on such a device, while approximately 15% spend longer than three hours.

Some 40% of parents believe restrictions on their children’s use of phones would result in them being more active.

The transition may not be easy, however, as almost a fifth of parents anticipated that imposing restrictions could result in rows.

This research was carried out by Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps, who also said that just over half of the parents surveyed agreed it is a ‘challenge to keep their child entertained during the school holidays’, adding that ‘this is where summer camps really have a role to play’.

The survey questioned parents of children aged eight and 12 and found that one-third felt ‘obliged to offer rewards (or threats)’ to entice children to spend less time on their mobile phones.

Two in five parents promised a treat, 34% offered a family outing, while one-third ‘threatened to ban a mobile device in an effort to get a child to be more active’.

But they weren’t the only issues prohibiting such physical activities, as almost half of parents said they feel ‘it is not safe to play outdoors’.

The usually unpredictable Irish weather impedes activity, according to 42% of parents, while just over half responded that ‘children have to be driven everywhere’.

Pat Daly, the GAA’s director of games, said the study has shown technology is ‘having a huge influence on children’.

‘Technology has a role to play in child’s development, but not at the expense of physical and social activities. That is why initiatives such as Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps are so important,’ he said.

The research, commissioned by Kellogg’s, was carried out in May with parents of 631 children. Mary Carr – Page 12 Comment – Page 12 emmajane.hade@dailymail.ie