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A groundbreaking national survey has revealed that girls in Britain, by the age of two, are already playing outside in nature less than boys. Conducted by researchers at the University of Exeter in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, the study—published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health—highlights early differences in outdoor play patterns between boys and girls, which could have long-term health implications, particularly for young girls.
The research, which surveyed parents of children aged two to four across England, Scotland, and Wales, discovered that girls are significantly less likely than boys to spend time playing in nature. These findings are concerning because, as previous studies have shown, girls tend to be less physically active than boys and are at greater risk of developing mental health issues as they grow older.
Professor Helen Dodd, a child psychology expert at the University of Exeter Medical School and co-leader of the study, emphasized the importance of outdoor play. “Playing in nature has important physical and mental health benefits for all children,” she said. “When children play outdoors, they are more likely to be active, adventurous, and connect with the natural world. These experiences help children learn to manage feelings of uncertainty and anxiety in a playful environment.”
The research team also found troubling disparities in play patterns based on ethnicity and geographic location. Children from ethnic minority backgrounds were found to spend less time playing overall compared to their white counterparts, while children living in rural areas had more opportunities for outdoor play than those in urban settings.
Dr. Kathryn Hesketh, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Cambridge and co-leader of the study, expressed surprise at the early onset of these gender differences. “We were quite surprised by these findings—it’s concerning that by age two, we’re already seeing these differences in how boys and girls engage with outdoor play,” she said. “Given the link between outdoor play and physical activity, girls may already be at a disadvantage.”
The implications of reduced outdoor play for girls are significant, with physical activity known to be vital for preventing mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. The study draws a connection between outdoor play and mental well-being, a theme explored in earlier research conducted by Professor Dodd in 2020, which focused on children aged five to 11.
As part of their ongoing efforts to address these disparities, the research team has partnered with the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) program to promote more adventurous and stimulating play in schools across the UK. This initiative aims to improve mental health outcomes for children by encouraging play that involves manageable risks, such as climbing and exploring nature. Currently, the program is being piloted in eight primary schools, where children are given access to play zones designed to cater to their diverse interests and needs.
Michael Follett, Director of OPAL, praised the partnership, stating, “We have seen first-hand in more than a thousand OPAL schools how allowing for excitement, exploration, and adventure at playtime is key to children’s health and well-being.”
The impact of these play interventions is already being felt in participating schools. Ruth Noall, headteacher at Peasedown St John Primary School in Somerset, shared the positive changes brought by the program. “The program has transformed our playtimes, and the positive impact was instant. Our children are now engaged in different types of play, and behavior has improved dramatically.”
The findings of this study, once completed in 2026, are expected to influence policy and practice surrounding children’s play opportunities in both primary and preschool settings. The research team hopes to provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing play opportunities, particularly for girls, to promote long-term physical and mental well-being.
For more information, the full study titled “The British Preschool Children’s Play Survey: When, Where, and How Adventurously Do British Preschool-Aged Children Play?” can be found in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health.
