Children immersed in screens as outdoor play declines, experts warn

A growing body of research indicates that children are spending increasing amounts of time on digital devices, often at the expense of outdoor play. Studies cited by JAMA Network show that many children under two years old already exceed recommended screen time limits, with potential links to delays in communication skills, attention issues, and weaker academic performance later in life. A meta-analysis referenced on Reddit involving hundreds of thousands of children also suggests associations between heavy screen use and socio-emotional difficulties, including anxiety and low self-esteem.

Titilola Akintayo, a school proprietress and scholar in children's reading development, said digital engagement has surged over the past two decades while outdoor play has declined noticeably. She attributed the shift to urbanisation reducing access to safe open spaces, rising academic pressures, and heightened parental safety concerns. According to Akintayo, spontaneous outdoor play, once a natural part of childhood, is now increasingly rare, limiting children's opportunities for physical resilience and social exploration.

Despite the educational and creative benefits of digital tools, Akintayo warned that screens are replacing critical developmental experiences. UNICEF recommends at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children, but many fail to meet this due to sedentary habits tied to prolonged screen use. Hassan emphasised the need for digital engagement to complement, rather than replace, physical activity. A 12-year-old child, Opeyemi, acknowledged the difficulty of disengaging from screens, saying, "Sometimes it is hard to stop, especially when you are watching something interesting or playing a game."

Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →