Urban children spending less time outdoors than prisoners are at risk of poorer mental and physical health

With the average prisoner in the UK guaranteed at least two hours outside each day and children spending only one, parents could be leaving their offspring at risk of illness and delayed development in later life.

These shocking statistics were first uncovered back in 2017 and discuss the plight of urban children with parents who are fearful for their safety outside of the home. However, this need to maintain their child’s safety can cause both developmental and mental health issues further on down the line.

Studies have shown that children living in built-up areas with limited access to outdoor play develop slower than their rural counterparts, can struggle to make connections with other children and have poorer problem-solving skills that can have a detrimental effect on their mental and emotional wellbeing as they get older.

Children that have enough exposure to sunlight, natural elements and the open air, which contributes to bones development, stronger immune system and physical activity, also have better physical health than those with a sedentary, indoor focused lifestyle.

Although many of the reasons cited by parent in inner city areas including higher levels of traffic and a worrying level of crime against children are real and present concerns in our modern society, more must be done to help parents and children in urban areas to get the fresh air and sunshine they need to grow into happy and healthy adults.

Raw Labels, a manufacturer of children’s clothing labels, name stickers and ID wristbands, understands the concerns of parents with regards to child safety and is offering another safeguard for parents who worry about letting their children out with friends unsupervised by a parent or adult guardian.

Reusable, waterproof and colourful, the ID wristband range from Raw Labels contains an area to include the child’s name and parents phone number should they stray too far from their home during unsupervised play so that they can be returned to their address quickly.

They also provide an excellent tool for family trips to the park or seaside and include a colourful cartoon image that children love, so parents won’t be met with resistance when they introduce this important safeguard during playtime or days out in the fresh air.

To find out more about the range of kid’s ID wristbands from Raw Labels, visit https://www.rawlabels.co.uk/reusable-wristband-for-kids