More than half of children are expected to spend more time indoors than playing outside this summer, research shows

A survey of British parents has found that more than half of children are spending more time indoors looking at screens than outside this summer.

Experts warn that a lack of exercise can lead to a range of health problems in children, including obesity, vitamin D deficiency and mental health problems.

Four in five parents surveyed by children’s bike manufacturer Woom said they noticed their children seemed happier after playing outside.

Despite this, seven out of ten parents are concerned about the likely inactivity during the school holidays.

A quarter of the 1,500 adults surveyed admitted that their children spent less than an hour a day on outdoor activities during the holidays.

A survey of British parents found that more than half of children are spending more time indoors looking at screens than playing outside this summer (Stock Photo)

Doctors say the findings are worrying because they suggest young children are at greater risk of developing debilitating conditions.

The NHS advises adults to do 30 minutes of exercise every day to get their heart pumping.

However, research shows that children often need more to reach their full growth potential.

The NHS also recommends that children get 30 minutes of sunshine a day to help produce vitamin D, which promotes healthy bones and an efficient immune system.

In addition, experts warn that outdoor exercise is necessary to combat the rise in childhood obesity and diabetes.

Nearly one in 10 children in the UK are obese by the time they are five, government figures show, while a further 12 per cent are overweight.

“For most children, 30 minutes is the absolute minimum,” says Doncaster GP Dean Eggitt.

Experts warn that lack of activity could lead to a range of health problems in children, including obesity, vitamin D deficiency and mental health problems (Stock image)

Regular exercise is important for muscle growth, joint flexibility and bone strength. It also improves lung and heart efficiency and improves mental health.

‘For children, regular outdoor activity affects almost every organ in their body. If children don’t spend time outdoors, they miss out on all the benefits of physical health and have a negative impact on their mental health.

“When it comes to saving potential for poor people, missing summer is definitely one of the ten things you shouldn’t do.”