Worry for children as traditional games are dying out.

Parents are calling for their children to have ‘greater freedom’ following a stark revelation that the quality of childhood is on a dire decline.

Following a survey of 4,000 parents, it has been revealed that today’s parents believe that the erosion of traditional skilled activities coupled with the rise of over-protectionism has led to a change in what it means to grow up in the UK.

The survey says that 67 per cent of parents suggest that propelling children into an over-controlled environment forces them to miss out on life-enhancing experiences, which in turn helps develop valuable social skills.

Additionally, the survey went on to reveal the differences in playing habits between parents and their children. Whilst 94 per cent of mothers skipped ‘often’ as young girls, only 24 per cent of girls today would say the same.

The figures also show that 83 per cent of fathers played conkers ‘often’ in their youth, compared with only 37 per cent of boys today.

Child psychologist and mother-of-two, Emma Kenny, explained that although the findings indicate that many treasured children’s activities are becoming rare, it’s the implications that are the main cause for concern.

“Traditional children’s play activities such as hopscotch, climbing trees or playing tag provide learning experiences based on imagination” she said.

“These activities all help kids develop key skills such as team playing, counting and creativity that are crucial to their future development.”

The survey also revealed that almost half of teachers believe health and safety regulations negatively affect student’s education. This ‘Big Mothered Britain’ psyche that has taken hold of the UK is often in spite of the parent’s real wishes.

More than 80 per cent of parents believe that the majority of health and safety measures in schools prevent ‘children from being children’.

Kate Watson (24), a primary school teacher from Hykeham, said she thought it was a shame that health and safety restrictions and political correction madness is stopping children from playing the games their parents did as a child.

“As teachers, we’re not even allowed to let the kids do handstands or gymnastics at playtime, and they can only platy tag if it’s in a controlled environment such as PE.”

“If the kids get hurt, then that’s a natural consequence. It’s the discoveries of these natural consequences which lead to social development within children.”

Ms Watson added: “You can’t really tell the children what to do in their playtime. They’re going to do what they want in the end anyway.”

The ‘Big Mothered Britain’ survey was commissioned by children’s soft drink company Fruit Shoot to show how childhood activities have changed over the years.