As the Summer holidays approach, many parents are bracing themselves, not just for the endless snack demands, and worries about how to keep the kids entertained, but for the looming battle over screen time. From toddlers clutching tablets to tweens glued to games, digital devices have become an everyday companion. But what does this really mean for children when it comes to physical activity, development, and mental health?
The latest data makes one thing clear, children are spending far more time on screens than on physical activity, with consequences for health, development, and wellbeing.
Current screen-time trends in the UK
- A recent survey of 2,000 UK parents revealed children aged 6–17 get under 4 hours of exercise per week but spend over 14 hours per week on screens: about 5 hrs watching TV, 5 hrs gaming, 4+ hrs on social media.
- Another poll found UK children are spending up to 45 hours indoors weekly, with over a third exclusively on screens—TV (59%), gaming (54%), and phones (41%).
- Nearly one in four children in England use internet-enabled devices for over 4 hours daily.
Falling Behind on physical activity
- Just 47.8% of UK children aged 5–16 now meet the 60 min/day activity guideline—consistent across 2023–24.
- Only 41% of children in school years 3–4 (ages 7–9) achieve this target.
- More than half of children fall short of daily activity recommendations, while 29.6% engage in under 30 minutes per day.
- WHO data classifies UK kids as among the least active globally – only 11% of 15‑year-old girls and 16% of boys meet daily activity targets.
The impact on physical and mental health
When screen time rises, physical activity often falls, and with it, a child’s mental and physical well-being.
Mental health impacts:
- Higher screen time is linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and attention issues in children.
- Spending excessive time on screens can also lead to isolation from peer groups, reducing opportunities for meaningful social interaction and support.
- Overuse of screens can interfere with emotional regulation and sleep quality – key factors in maintaining mental health.
Physical Consequences:
- A sedentary lifestyle contributes to rising rates of childhood obesity and poor cardiovascular health.
- Less physical play limits the development of gross motor skills, balance, and coordination – essential building blocks in early years.
Why sport & physical activity matter
Participating in sport and physical play is about much more than burning off energy. It’s the foundation of a child’s development, wellbeing, and confidence.
Developmental benefits:
- Gross motor skills improve through climbing, running, jumping, and coordinated movements.
- Activities like team sports or dance enhance balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.
- Speech and language skills grow through social interaction, following instructions, and storytelling in imaginative play.
- Sports foster social skills, like sharing, turn-taking, listening, and negotiating.
Lifelong benefits:
- Children who engage in sport regularly are more likely to remain active into adulthood, reducing their risk of heart disease, diabetes, and mental health problems.
- Being part of a club or team builds belonging, resilience, and self-esteem, essential for navigating school and life challenges.
- Physical activity boosts brain function, improving memory, focus, and academic performance.
Summer Strategies – Limit screen time without the tantrums
Setting boundaries around screens doesn’t have to feel like a punishment. Here’s how to keep the peace:
- Create a Summer Routine
Kids thrive on structure. Plan blocks for physical activity, reading, creative time, and limited screens, so they know what to expect. - Replace, Don’t Just Remove
Don’t just take the tablet away, offer fun alternatives. Hide & seek, a paddling pool, or bike ride can be just as exciting (and better for them). - Get Involved as a Family
Children mimic adult behaviour. Try a weekly family football night, walk, or game of tig. - Set tech-free rules
Keep mealtimes, bedrooms, and outdoor play areas screen-free and set a time limit for when screens are being used.
With a little planning, this Summer can be filled with fresh air, fun, and physical activity instead of endless screen time. Encouraging your child to stay active today sets them up for a lifetime of good health, strong friendships, and positive mental wellbeing.
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References
The Guardian
Sport England
The Times
Activity Alliance
Sport England
Sport England
Activity Alliance
National Library of Medicine
HBSC England
