Campaign Launched to Encourage Outdoor Play as Dutch Children Spend Excessive Time Indoors on Screens

Dutch children aged 6 to 12 are increasingly spending less time outdoors and more time glued to screens indoors, with over 300,000 kids in the Netherlands never venturing outside to play, according to research conducted by Jantje Beton. To address this concerning trend, the organization has initiated a campaign aimed at encouraging families to prioritize outdoor play.

On average, children in this age group spend fewer than 7 hours per week engaging in outdoor activities, marking a decrease of about 2.5 hours compared to two years ago, as highlighted by Pauline van der Loo from Jantje Beton in an interview with NOS radio.

Anne Appelo, an ambassador for Jantje Beton, underscored the alarming statistic that the number of children playing outside daily has halved from 325,000 in 2022 to 160,000 this year. She emphasized the importance of outdoor play for children’s overall health and development, noting its impact on various aspects such as motor skills and brain development.

Recognizing the significance of outdoor play, Jantje Beton’s campaign encourages families to embrace outdoor activities by offering a free frisbee upon sign-up, along with monthly reminders to spend time outdoors with their children. The campaign aims not only to raise awareness but also to provide practical support and resources, including tips and suggestions for enjoyable outdoor experiences.

Van der Loo expressed concerns about the potential long-term consequences of children spending excessive time indoors, cautioning against the risk of losing an entire generation to sedentary lifestyles. Through initiatives like this campaign, Jantje Beton seeks to inspire families to rediscover the joys of outdoor play and ensure that children have ample opportunities for physical activity, exploration, and discovery in natural settings.