Dutch neuropsychologist Erik Scherder urgently appeals to parents, schools, municipalities, and the government to prioritize outdoor play for children, emphasizing its critical role in brain development, cognitive resilience, and overall well-being. He warns that the increasing screen time and decreasing opportunities for outdoor play are negatively impacting children’s attention, learning, and social skills, potentially leading to long-term consequences for their health and society.

Scherder, ambassador of Jantje Beton and a concerned grandfather, highlights the fundamental role of movement, outdoor games, and social interaction in structuring the brain and building cognitive resilience. He expresses concern over the prevalence of neighborhoods without playgrounds, fenced-off fields, and rising rates of type 2 diabetes among young children.

The consequences of neglecting outdoor play are already evident in attention problems, learning delays, and stress among children. Scherder notes that children are not learning to focus, scroll through videos without effort, and may struggle to cope with frustration and social differences later in life, leading to increased healthcare costs, decreased mental resilience, and social fragmentation.

Scherder calls for immediate action:

• (Grand)parents should limit screen time and actively engage in outdoor play with their children.
• Schools should incorporate movement throughout the day, not just during gym class.
• Municipalities should prioritize children’s needs in urban planning, ensuring every neighborhood has playgrounds and green spaces.
• The Dutch government should legally mandate space for children and take youth and sports programs seriously.

He concludes by emphasizing that investing in outdoor play is an investment in resilience for life, urging a shift from words to concrete actions to give the streets, schools, and society back to children.