More 10-year-olds own smartphones than know how to throw a ball, report warns
A growing number of children are becoming more comfortable with screens than physical play, according to a new report warning about the rise of “iPad kids”.
Research by the Centre for Social Justice found that children aged 10 are now more likely to own a smartphone than know how to properly throw a ball. While two-thirds of children in that age group already have smartphones, only 43 per cent have achieved “mastery” or “near mastery” in basic overarm throwing skills.
Teachers interviewed for the report said some children are arriving at school lacking basic physical strength due to spending too much time on tablets and not enough time running, climbing or playing outdoors.
One teacher shared that a child in her class struggled to sit properly on the classroom carpet because she had not developed enough core strength after spending most of her early years indoors using an iPad.
The report also linked rising screen dependence to growing concerns surrounding childhood obesity, inactivity and mental health issues. According to NHS England data, one in six children aged eight to 10 now has a probable mental health disorder.
Researchers, however, said small changes could still make a meaningful difference. Replacing just 15 minutes of daily screen time with physical activity could help nearly 300,000 more primary school children achieve healthier activity levels.
