Hottest summer on record could have put kids' health at risk

The hottest summer on record may have had a hidden toll on British children's health, new research has revealed.

As temperatures soared, people retreated indoors rather than heading out to play, with 58% of families spending less time outside this year than last.

Around 63% favoured cooler, inside spaces where opportunities for active play are more limited, according to the poll by Yoplait.

Sunshine is crucial to help the body produce vitamin D, which is needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.

The findings also revealed that nearly half (48%) of primary-age children are not meeting recommended physical activity levels, while 36% of children aged four to 11 eat fewer than two portions of calcium-rich food a day.

Experts say the combination of regular physical activity, sufficient vitamin D and calcium are all important for children's developing bones.

As children return to school this week and the days begin to shorten, campaigners are warning that there may be even fewer opportunities to be active outdoors.

The research also suggests today's children are spending significantly less time playing outside than their parents did at the same age.

Children now spend an average of three hours less a week outside than their parents did as youngsters, according to the findings. Over the course of a year, that amounts to 156 fewer hours outdoors.

The figures have prompted calls for greater action to protect children's bone health and encourage active play.

The Government is set to receive a "Permit to Play" petition this month, with parents calling on MPs to back a national campaign focused on children's bone health.

To highlight the campaign, a children's playground was installed on Queen's Walk, across the river from the Houses of Parliament, before being closed off with warning tape.

Signs at the installation claimed it was "not safe to play on", not because the equipment was faulty, but as a provocative illustration of the campaign's warning about declining activity levels and children's future bone health.

The campaign is being backed by Olympic champion and dad, Greg Rutherford.

"Parents are doing their best with the information they have, but it's a minefield, and working out fact from fiction can be a real challenge," he said.

"The positive benefits for families of getting outside and playing together need to be championed, and the Government needs to relook at their advice and ensure parents have the most up to date information to make the best choices for their kids."

Dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton added, "The new research from Yoplait shows that physical activity has barely recovered from the Covid years when sports clubs closed, and children were home schooled.

"Coupled with soaring screen use and low intakes of bone health nutrients, we're looking at a timebomb for young people's bone health in later years.

"Alongside active play and sport participation, fortified dairy is one of the simplest and most accessible ways parents can help build strong, healthy bones and healthcare professionals and teachers all have a role in supporting parents with the knowledge they need to support their children's health."

The campaign is calling for greater awareness of the role that physical activity and nutrition play in children's bone development, as well as more opportunities for youngsters to get outside and play.

To sign 'Yoplait's Permit to Play' petition, visit the link here: https://yoplait.co.uk/permit-to-play/