Average child spends just 7 hours a week outside

The average British child spends just seven hours a week outside, but more than than twice that amount of time playing video games. That's according to a shocking new survey, which found that 40 per cent of parents have to force their children to leave the house in order to spend time outdoors. Researchers said the rise of video games like survival shooter Fortnite means children are increasingly choosing to spend their free time cooped-up inside. Experts have previously warned that active play is essential to the development and long-term health of children, helping them to fend off the development of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease in adulthood. The average child spends just seven hours a week outside, but more than than twice that amount playing video games.