Childhood outdoor pastimes 'in decline'

Asim Sir English Teaching

Weekly Assessment-February 2025

class: Ten

Subject: English 1st Paper

Time : 2 hours.                                                                                                                 Full Marks : 70

Traditional childhood pastimes of climbing trees and playing conkers are in decline, according to a survey by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). It's a charitable organization registered in England and Wales.

The survey shows that people under 34 recall far fewer such childhood outdoor experiences than people over 55, according to a survey by RSPB.

People were asked which of the twelve childhood outdoor experiences they could remember. The answer included making dens, daisy chains, climbing trees, playing conkers and feeding birds. Four out of five boys climbed trees and the same number of girls made daisy chains. But the survey showed the numbers declining among the newer generations. Some 15% more of those aged over 55 had these outdoor experiences in their childhood, compared with those between 15-34 years old. Some 92% of the public agreed that experiences of nature were still important to children, and 82% agreed that schools should play a role in providing them to all children.

The survey has highlighted the positive impact of contact with nature on a child's education, health, wellbeing and social skills. At the same time, there has been a decline in the opportunities, with negative consequences for children, families and society-condition now known as nature deficit disorder. 

Mike Clarke, chief executive of the RSPB, will meet parliament members urge the government to join other organisations in providing children with fin hand experiences of the natural environment.... "We believe this guidan should include the many positive impacts to children of having contact w nature and learning outside the classroom."