In the US, as in the UK, rates of anxiety and depression among school-age children are rising. One fifth of eight- to 25-year-olds had a probable mental disorder in 2023, according to NHS England. In US research, two psychologists and one anthropologist argue that while poor mental health in childhood is often blamed on increased use of digital technologies, or more pressure for high academic achievement, another cause is overlooked: a decline over decades in opportunities for children to “play, roam and engage in other activities independent of direct oversight and control by adults”.
What they found: The researchers summarised US evidence that showed from the 1960s onwards, children’s freedom to take part in activities involving risk or personal responsibility has declined. Children as young as five used to play more with older children away from adults. Parental fears of crime and traffic leads them to restrict independent activities. The paper quotes statistics from the UK that show a sharp decline in the number of children allowed to walk or take the bus home from school. They found school terms have lengthened, as has the amount of time children spend on homework, ‘even in kindergarten’.
Across the same timeframe, children’s mental health has worsened. Among US statistics quoted is an alarming finding that in 2019, suicide was the second leading cause of death for children from age ten to 15, second only to unintentional injury.
The researchers admit that although they can observe a correlation between the two issues, this does not prove a decline in activity is causing poorer mental health. However, the paper goes on to summarise the value of play in promoting children’s mental wellbeing. It pinpoints the importance of play being child-led, rather than involving adults, as this helps children develop mental capacities that foster future wellbeing.
Self-directed play helps children develop an internal locus of control (LOC) – a concept that describes a person’s tendency to believe they have control over their lives and can problem-solve. Low LOC is likely to be linked to low mental wellbeing. The paper quotes a study that found children whose mothers were controlling or provided unsolicited help had lower LOC.
What does this mean for me? The researchers include several recommendations for paediatric practice. These include talking to parents about the importance of giving children opportunities for independent play and activities, and helping parents overcome fears around children’s safety. For example, could parents organise playdates where fewer adults are present, only for safety, but step back and let children play by themselves? The authors also suggest teaching children how to keep themselves safe; for example, how to cross roads, cycle safety, stay with friends and ask adults for help.
‘Decline in Independent Activity as a Cause of Decline in Children’s Mental Well-being: Summary of the Evidence’, https://tinyurl.com/5h6eywx8
