How Lack Of Outdoor Play Is Impacting Children’s Mental Health?

By Shubhi Kumar
21 Jun 2025, 16:00 IST

Outdoor play is essential for children’s overall development. With rising screen time and academic pressure, kids today spend far less time outside. This shift is contributing to a range of mental health concerns that affect emotional well-being, cognitive function, and social skills. Tap to read!

Increased Stress and Anxiety

Less outdoor play for children means less natural stress relief. This raises cortisol levels and elevates anxiety-related symptoms.

Emotional Challenges

Reduced outdoor play means diminished emotional outlet and a set of symptoms marked by mood swings, frustrations, and difficulties with regulating emotions.

Cognitive Development

Outdoor play is an impetus for curiosity and reasoning. Without it, cognitive growth and the capacity to focus may decrease significantly.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Less exposure to sunlight means less vitamin D. It leads to depression, lack of energy, poor immunity, and a negative impact on mental health.

Reduced Social Interaction

Following indoor activity, kids miss out on opportunities to develop social skills. Later affect friendships, communication, and emotional comprehension.

Information credits

This is generic information. However, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.