Ever Wondered What is Outside Those Screens? (Infographic)

Updated: 10 April 2025

Did you know that, on average, British girls spend about 5 hours while British boys spend around 13 hours a week playing video games?

This may not surprise you, but your child may very well be among those spending a fair amount of time in front of screens or high-tech gadgets.

Here at RiiRoo, our philosophy is simple: to promote outdoor play and encourage families to spend more time together enjoying the great outdoors.

Traditional pastimes like stargazing or football in the park may be slowly fading, thanks to the ever-present technology bubble. But is it really worth letting your child invest so much time and energy into screens and gadgets?

Why Reintroducing Physical Activity Matters

Physical activity does more than just help kids stay fit—it improves cognitive function, boosts social skills, and shields them from a host of physical and mental health concerns.

For instance, childhood obesity in the UK has tripled over the past 20 years.

Kids who spend hours glued to screens may face elevated risks for issues such as ADHD, developmental delays, learning difficulties, sensory disorders, depression, and sleep disruptions.

It doesn’t stop there: deteriorating eyesight affects 1 in 4 school-aged children, and cyberbullying—reported by 87% of UK teens—is an ever-growing issue.

The Power of Outdoor Play

In high-performing education systems like those in China and Japan, physical activity is built into daily school schedules. Even a single PE session can increase academic performance by up to 20%.

Outdoor play doesn’t just energise the body—it builds empathy, confidence, and vital social skills. A recent study found that over 11% of new school starters in the UK lacked the basic social behaviour to interact well with peers.

Coupled with the pressures of “selfie culture,” anxiety and depression cases in children have risen by 42% over the past 5 years.

Creative Ways to Get Kids Outdoors

Looking to break away from screens? Try these creative, family-friendly ideas:

• Redecorate the bedroom with a friend.
• Organise a Sunday neighbourhood carwash fundraiser.
• Plan a weekend camping trip—or just pitch a tent in the garden!
• Host a backyard pool party with cousins and friends.
• Lead a community wall-painting project with your child’s help.
• Dedicate an hour a week to volunteering as a family.
• Bake treats to donate to local shelters or senior homes.
• Start neighbourhood activities: bike races, lemonade stands, craft shows.
• Join a student exchange or cultural learning programme.
• Learn a new language together—it’s fun and challenging!
• Consider a RiiRoo scooter or electric motorbike instead of the latest tablet—they’ll love it!

Encourage your child to ring a few friends and plan some real-world fun. It’s the best way to build memories and lifelong skills.

Give them the freedom to experience a real, balanced childhood—one filled with movement, laughter, and discovery far from the glow of a screen.

FAQs

How much screen time is too much for kids?

Experts recommend no more than 1–2 hours per day for children aged 5–17, with more emphasis placed on meaningful, interactive screen use rather than passive watching.

What are the benefits of outdoor play for mental health?

Outdoor play helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by promoting movement, fresh air, sunlight exposure, and social interaction—all key factors in mental well-being.

Is it safe for kids to play unsupervised outdoors?

With proper boundaries, community involvement, and basic safety guidance, children can enjoy more independence while still remaining safe. Local parks and gardens are a great place to start.