This briefing explores the reasons behind the increasing trend of young children (ages 0-5) spending more time indoors. Authored by Kristel Alla and published by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, the paper synthesizes international and Australian research to understand the implications of this trend on children's wellbeing. Key reasons identified for this indoor shift include a lack of suitable outdoor spaces, parental concerns about safety, increased use of electronic devices, and the prioritization of study over play. The report emphasizes the negative impacts of reduced outdoor time on children's physical and mental health, social competence, and development. Recommendations are provided for practitioners to encourage outdoor activities and nature play, balancing screen time with outdoor experiences, and addressing safety concerns. The report calls for a collaborative approach to create environments that support children's outdoor play and overall wellbeing.
Authors
- Pages
- 12
- Published in
- Australia
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgements 4
- How this resource was developed 4
- Overview 5
- Introduction 6
- How much time are children spending indoors? 6
- Why is time outdoors important for young children? 6
- Key reasons for why children remain indoors 7
- A lack of suitable outdoor spaces 7
- Parental concerns about safety, traffic and crime 7
- Children spending more time on electronic devices 7
- Study being prioritised over play 8
- Implications and considerations for practitioners 8
- Further reading and resources 9
- Resources by AIFS 9
- Resources by Emerging Minds 10
- Other Australian resources 10
- International resources 10
- References 11
