Bullies fear

Research carried out by the Children's Society and the Children's Play Council, reveals that for six out of every ten youngsters there are reasons preventing them from going outside to play.

And the biggest single factor keeping children indoors is the fear of bullying from older children, cited by one in four youngsters.

Ferryhill teenager Joanne Geldart, who attracted national publicity after her ten-year ordeal at the hands of bullies was highlighted in the Echo in June, is one of those driven indoors by bullies, according to mum Ann.

She said: "Joanne is quite determined she is going to live her life, but it has been a problem and sometimes she comes in earlier than she planned as a result.

"There have been times when it has been quite persistent and it has stopped her from going out for a couple of days at a time."

The survey, of children across England and Scotland, also revealed that the danger from traffic and their parents' fear of strangers were major reasons in discouraging youngsters from playing outside.

Other reasons to stay inside included dirty play areas, drug dealers, children's own fear of strangers and playgrounds being too far from home.

Children's Society chief executive Ian Sparks said: "Play is vital for children's development - it's the way children develop social understanding, explore their creativity and learn about the world around them.

"But children are being crowded out of their neighbourhoods - by cars, by bullying and by parents' fear of strangers.

"They are no so much couch potatoes as couch prisoners, and the impact on their health and well-being could be disastrous."

The survey, published to coincide with national Playday tomorrow, also found that more children play in the street or garden than in public parks.

Children's Play Council director Tim Gill said: "Too many playgrounds and parks are dangerous, run down or just plain boring.

"We need to reclaim our parks and communities and make sure they are safe places where all children can play."