Children choose screen time as favourite playtime activity

BEING on a computer, tablet, games console or mobile phone is now a child’s favourite way to play, according to a survey.

This type of screen time was the first pick of 84 per cent of children aged between six and 12, while 73 per cent of youngsters chose watching TV as their top way to play.

Drawing, colouring or making things came third in the poll, selected by 60 per cent of children, while playing with toys was named as the favourite activity for 59 per cent of children.

The survey of 724 six to 12-year-olds and 986 parents with children of that age found 55 per cent of children preferred playing outside rather than indoors but the weather made a real difference.

The poll was commissioned by BBC Children in Need and Asda to launch the Power of Play campaign which aims to highlight the importance of play and give more children the chance to enjoy physical activity, improve their confidence, well-being and friendships while having fun.

Cold, rainy or windy weather affected how their children play, according to 65 per cent of parents, while 81 per cent of children said they played outside more when the weather is fine and 62 per cent of children said that poor weather stopped them from playing outdoors.

Singer and presenter Peter Andre (right), who is backing the campaign, said: “Some of my happiest memories of being a child, and in bringing up my own children, are of playing and it’s such a shame that not all young people get those opportunities.”

Asda customers can pick up free play cards to get ideas about easy and cheap ways to play with their

children using items such as toilet rolls, plastic bottles, coasters and old cereal boxes. A BBC Children in Need storybook, Playtime with Pudsey, will also be on sale at £2.50.