Government urged to ban ‘no ball games’ signs to beat childhood smartphone addiction
Radical measures suggested to reduce children’s screen time
- A new report from the Raising the Nation Play Commission inquiry urges the UK government to prioritise creating child-friendly, playful neighbourhoods to reduce children's screen time.
- The report says that playground closures, busier roads, and shorter school breaks have limited children's play opportunities, leading to sedentary lifestyles and deteriorating well-being.
- The commission calls for a National Play Strategy for England, backed by a £125 million annual investment and led by a “minister for play”, to promote outdoor activities and regulate digital device usage.
- The inquiry recommends raising the digital age of consent to 16, banning smartphones in schools, and a national ban on "No Ball Games" signs.
- A poll commissioned by the inquiry reveals that 55 per cent of parents believe their children play outside less than they did, and 76 per cent feel society is less accepting of children playing outdoors.