New Delhi: Climbing trees - and falling out of them – used to be a part of growing up. But not any more. A new report suggests today's children are more likely to suffer injuries brought on by playing computer games than from tumbling out of the mango tree at the bottom of the garden.
A growing trend in the UK shows that youngsters are turning away from basic outdoor activities. This has fuelled fears that British children are being robbed of their childhood. And it is even worrying health and safety groups.
“Climbing trees and falling out of them is all part of growing up. Having small injuries helps children learn about risk,” spokesman for The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents was quoted by The Daily Mail.
Figures collated by hospitals in England show the number of children treated for falling out of trees dropped by 36 per cent between 1999 and 2006 - from 1,823 to 1,163. At the same time the average age of those needing medical assistance has risen from 14 to 17. Meanwhile, 577 children went to hospital last year suffering from Repetitive Strain
The statistics lend weight to a report by The Lancet that today's youngsters are the first in history to be less healthy than their parents. Indeed, British children appear to be under siege from all directions.
A UK firm is fighting to buck the current trend for indoor activities. The Mighty Oak Tree Climbing Co organises climbing with ropes and harnesses for children and adults.
“My children are never happier than when they're up a tree. I used to climb trees when I was younger and my friend fell out of a tree and broke his leg,” Managing director Alan Stock told Daily Mail.
“Now I don't think I even see children climbing trees, apart from my own kids. It's the culture we are in - the computerised age. At least climbing trees gives kids an appreciation of our surroundings. But playing computer games doesn't really teach us anything. It's easy to end up sitting indoors for hours on end,” he observed.
With excerpts from The Daily Mail
Comments
0 comment