London - Parents are now so over-protective towards their children that one youngster in five does not go outside to play.
A third of youngsters have never climbed a tree, or built a den, and one in ten cannot even ride a bike, a study found.
The figures were released by the Play England charity, who polled 2,000 children about their leisure pursuits.
They discovered that today’s children are less than a third as likely to play outside as their parents were when they were young.
A government minister blamed the “cotton wool culture” which has grown up over the past decade, with parents being over-cautious about outdoor play.
Nick Hurd, the minister for civil society, called on mothers and fathers to use their common sense and manage risks sensibly.
“I think we all know the importance of play to children,” he said. “Over the past ten years a culture of red tape has stifled the freedom of children to climb trees, make dens and enjoy the simple pleasure of outdoor play.”
The poll found that seven in ten parents consider taking their children to an outside space to play to be a real treat and children feel the same, with a reported 59 percent wishing they could play outside more.
Just 21 percent of today’s six to 15-year-olds play outdoors daily near their home, compared to 71 percent of their parents when they were young.
Catherine Prisk, director of Play England, said: “Playing outside, chalking on the pavement, climbing trees and riding your bike are simple pleasures that many of today’s children are missing out on.
“Play is essential for children’s health and happiness now, and is also essential for making friends, building key skills for the future and for feeling you are part of a community.” - Daily Mail