Children's Health

Why Playing Outside Is So Beneficial

Spending hours on screens indoors, rather than playing outside, inhibits children’s opportunities to develop essential life skills.
Why Playing Outside Is So Beneficial
Irina WS/Shutterstock
Rachel Ann T. Melegrito
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While 60 percent of American children regularly play outside, some stay indoors most of the time, according to the CS Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.

One out of 10 American children aged 1 to 5 rarely play outside—only once a week, according to the poll.

Rachel Ann T. Melegrito
Rachel Ann T. Melegrito
Author
Rachel Melegrito worked as an occupational therapist, specializing in neurological cases. Melegrito also taught university courses in basic sciences and professional occupational therapy. She earned a master's degree in childhood development and education in 2019. Since 2020, Melegrito has written extensively on health topics for various publications and brands.