Experts Urge a Return to Outdoor Play and Physical Activity to Support Children’s Health
In a time when children and teens are more digitally connected than ever, statistics show that young people have never been so lonely, anxious, depressed, and so distant from each other emotionally. As more and more research comes out from the last couple digital decades full of smart phones, tablets and game consoles, health professionals of all backgrounds warn that excessive screen time is having serious consequences on the physical and mental well-being of children and adolescents. As young people spend increasing amounts of time in front of screens, outdoor play, real-world connection, and healthy interaction are becoming alarmingly rare—and this is a crisis families can no longer ignore. It is the great epidemic of our day.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children now spend an average of 7–9 hours per day on screens – specifically for entertainment. One study showed that the average time a young person talks to his or her parents is 7 minutes… per week! Studies from JAMA Psychiatry and UCLA also confirm that children with high screen time are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, poor sleep, and chronic stress. The rise of social media has introduced harmful comparisons, unrealistic standards, and even early exposure to inappropriate content—damaging young people’s self-esteem and social development.
Physical health is also at risk. Higher screen time contributes to sedentary behavior, with the CDC reporting that 1 in 5 American children is obese. Chronic physical illnesses such as diabetes are at all-time highs. Physical activity, crucial for healthy growth and development, is being crowded out by video games, social media, and streaming platforms.
Experts like social psychologist Jonathan Haidt (author of “The Anxious Generation”) and mental health professional Dr. Jeff Erickson emphasize that outdoor play is a powerful antidote. Outdoor activities not only improve physical health but also help children build social skills, reduce stress, and spark creativity. Whether running, biking, climbing, or simply playing in the backyard, time outside supports emotional resilience and cognitive growth.
Companies like Ruffhouse Vinyl Play Systems are leading the charge to inspire change. Their mission is to “inspire moments of REAL connection, growth, and fun” by building high-quality, safe, and engaging backyard playsets. Dr. Jeff Erickson, known as “the Screen Guy,” stresses that the best way to replace harmful habits is to introduce healthier ones—like scheduled outdoor time with family and weekly or daily play times with friends.
“Our children need spaces to explore, imagine, and move,” says Erickson. “The more we prioritize real-life interaction, the more we protect their emotional and physical development.”
The World Health Organization recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily for children aged 5–17. Yet with most youth falling short, parents, educators, and caregivers are encouraged to set clear screen time boundaries—ideally limiting recreational use to under two hours per day—and promote daily outdoor play.
The call to action is clear: helping children thrive starts with giving them more time in the real world to play and connect. Digital norms have to be replaced with new (old) norms for outdoor interaction with friends and a greater sense of community. By reducing screen dependence and encouraging active, imaginative play, families can support healthier, happier futures for the next generation.
