By aged two girls are already playing outside less than boys | Study finds this is important because compared to boys, girls are less physically active and more likely to have difficulties with their mental health as they get older.

From the article: The first national survey of play in preschool-aged children in Britain has found that from the age of two-years-old, girls are playing outside in nature less than boys.

The research was conducted by the University of Exeter in partnership with the University of Cambridge and published in the [Journal of Physical Activity and Health](https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2024-0155). Parents of children aged two to four living in England, Scotland and Wales were surveyed and early differences in time spent in nature were found – which may have long-term implications, particularly for the health of girls. This is important because compared to boys, girls are less physically active and more likely to have difficulties with their mental health as they get older.

Professor of Child Psychology at the University of Exeter Medical School, Helen Dodd, co-led the study with funding from a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship. She said: “Playing in nature has important physical and mental health benefits for all children. When children play outdoors in nature, they’re more likely to be active, to play in an adventurous way like climbing trees, and to connect with and learn about nature.

“Problems may arise if children have not had enough opportunity to play adventurously and to learn about managing feelings of uncertainty and anxiety in a playful way. If they’ve had enough opportunity to learn about these feelings and emotions through their play, they might be less likely to respond negatively and feel overwhelmed when faced with challenges like starting school for the first time.”

Pretty sure all dem kids are on their ipads/phones nowadays.

I’ve been saying it for years: living in the house is a privilege. Force your kids to live outside until they earn their way into the house.