There is no denying that children have moved away from traditional outdoor activities in favour of Xbox’s and iPad’s but new research shows that this in causing more stress for the younger generations.
Parenting on Female First
It is thought that when we use electronic devices we become more stressed due to the low levels of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, which are released when we’re doing physical activities.
Playing outdoors triggers the release of these feel-good hormones and, in turn, is thought to make children more content and happy.
Linda Blair, Leading Clinical Psychologist, explains, “We know that spending excessive time using screen-based electronic devices is associated with difficulties concentrating and maintaining focus—and this is true for children and adults alike.
“On the other hand, spending time outside in the fresh air, and taking enjoyable aerobic exercise such as running about, swimming and cycling is associated with a sense of contentment and well-being.
“That’s in part because these activities trigger our ‘feel good’ hormones—endorphins, serotonin and dopamine—and regulate the ones that make us feel stressed and anxious, cortisol in particular.”
Park Resorts looked further into our children’s activities and what makes them happier. A massive 87 per cent of parents said that their child seemed happier when not playing with electronic gadgets.
A stonking 90 per cent of parents also said that being away from technology brightened their child’s mood, especially when on holiday and making the most of the great outdoors, interacting with other children.
Thankfully, 60 per cent of children only spend an hour on their electronic gadgets a day but this means that 40 per cent are spending longer than this, which could severely affect their moods.
Do your children spend hours in front of a screen or prefer to play outdoors? Let us know by commenting below or tweeting us @FemaleFirst_UK
Tagged in Parenting Stress children Technology Parenting News