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American children have less unstructured free play time in the late 2000s than in the 1980s, with an average of nine hours less free time per week. Studies show that unstructured play time is crucial for children’s development and those with little free time are more likely to have emotional and cognitive problems. After age 6, American children spend more time watching TV than playing games.
American children spent significantly less time in unstructured free play in the late 2000s than they did in the 1980s. A study referenced by the Children and Nature Network found that American children in the early 21st century had an average of nine hours less free time a week than in 1981. Another study found that American children ages 6-8 were spending much more time doing homework and more time in class than they did in the 1980s. Learn more about how American kids spend their time: About a quarter of 9- to 12-year-olds are involved in at least three extracurricular activities.
Studies suggest that having unstructured play time is crucial to a child’s mental, psychological and emotional development. Children who have little free time are more likely to be stressed and have emotional and cognitive problems.
Research suggests that after age 6 or so, American children spend more time watching television than playing games.
