**TL; DR - Children today do not spend nearly enough time outdoors focusing on play and activities, and this should be corrected because there are benefits to spending time outdoors, such as better physical health, more socially active and more respect for the environment**. I have recently read an article stating a thought-provoking fact: 'Did you know that, on average, children around the world spend less time outdoors than a maximum-security prisoner?' ( [Muddy Puddles](https://www.muddypuddles.com/blog/children-less-time-outdoors/) ). According to the article, some of the reasons for this are outdoor dangers and the advent of social media and technology. I grew up during a time when children used to play with each other outdoors for hours and I will always treasure these memories because of the fun and the benefits of it. One such benefit is physical health. As Sumaiya Kabir says, by being outdoors, children will 'experience generations-old childhood favorites like climbing trees, collecting stones, building model houses with sticks, and so on. Such activities link to a healthy physical development. Thus, your children are physically fit, and have a smaller chance of obesity, heart problems, and diabetes' ( [Lifehack](https://www.lifehack.org/317645/10-amazing-benefits-children-spending-more-time-outdoors) ). Playing and exploring the outdoors is a very fruitful way for children to engage in physical activities and get in touch with nature while also boosting their creativity and motor skills. Another benefit of being outdoors is socialization. Being in the outdoors with friends and family can help children further develop their social skills, bond over play and activities, and improve mental health by feeling part of a social group and/or community and spending time away from the digital world. While social media and phones can be beneficial for children's skills and education, spending time outdoors should be enhanced so that a balance is achieved.

**TL;DR - Both indoor and and outdoor play are essential for children to thrive** The importance of outdoor experiences and outdoor leaning for children is undeniable! After reading the same Muddy Puddles article, it really is telling how much time children spent indoors other than exploring the outdoors! Especially with the COVID-19 restrictions put in place of the past year, I’m sure numbers of children choosing to be indoors rater than outdoors has only gone up. A very sad statistic, I feel. The health benefits of children being outside learning and playing is also a huge reason why we should encourage more outdoor time for kids. The reduction in stress, improvement in mental health, decrease in childhood obesity as well as improving life skills e.g crossing the road safely and stranger danger are essential for children. However it’s important to note - Indoor time doesn’t equal screen time! I don’t think we should just rule out the importance and benefits of children playing and learning indoors. I recognise saying this after a year of Lockdowns may be poor timing, however the premise remains the same. Indoor learning and playing can help children in a way that is often overlooked. We often assume outdoor time is better, when in reality there are benefits of indoor time for children. I read an article from PlayGround Centre on the benefits of both indoors and outdoors time (https://www.playgroundcentre.com/indoor-vs-outdoor-play/?region=au) In this article it’s explained that indoor play can be a great source of creativity as it encourages children to work with the toys, arts & crafts and other things they have available to them. The idea that all children want to play with a cardboard box - rather than the toy inside. Creativity is a great way for children to learn and play. We also know in places like England, it rains a lot! So in times where it is more feasible to be inside, creative indoor activities are a useful source of learning for children for example Lego, Puzzles and Board Games. Finally, I also think indoor activities are good when children want to play by themselves. Outdoor activities have many benefits, however they do often rely on the idea that there is a group of children rather than an only child or a child who prefers to play alone sometimes. I agree with the conclusion of the PlayGround Centre article - both indoor and outdoor play are ESSENTIAL for children to thrive!

I recently read an article that discussed how British children and young people are struggling with [contemporary life](https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/good-childhood), and the mental health crisis is [concerning]( https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/news/1-10-children-have-no-one-talk-school-when-they-are-worried-or-sad). I wonder if outdoor learning could help tackle some of these issues? Enrich children's lives and well-being and help them have a sense of belonging? Speaking from experience (personal account) : I grew up on a tropical farm before the age of 7, **, as such am an advocate for children spending a large proportion of their time outdoors**. I learnt how to seed, harvest, love animals (we had 10 dogs), fend for myself and make pottery from mud, amongst other things. It was utter bliss. At the weekend, we would go to my grandfather's farm- which was industrialised. Here I learnt about mechanics, soil types and perennial plants. My late grandfather also built a children's garden full of [mimosa plants] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0o18UUSJgQA). (tickle me plant). We would also visit my other grandmother who had orange courtyards. I couldn't reach the oranges through! So it was less fun. HOWEVER, I struggled in school; all I wanted to do was play outside. ..it took me a while to settle into classroom settings. Nonetheless, I did what I was supposed to. On reflection, however, the lessons I learnt outside in the humdrum of daily life are more vibrant and meaningful than academia. Don't get me wrong; I love academia; I have spent decades in it, but much of what I have learnt has faded away over the years. Being outside teaches children skills they can't get in books, and the confidence for adventure, how to deal with setbacks and look after the earth.

More so with their families, too. We spend an outrageous amount of time per week working/in school, than in our homes, with our loved ones, enjoying life.