Ban ‘no ball games’ signs to get children off devices, play experts say

Play experts want to ban “no ball games” signs and protect playtime during school breaks, to reduce the time children spend on screens.

They are being forced “indoors on to digital devices”, according to the Raising the Nation Play Commission, whose year-long inquiry calls for an end to “anti-play culture”.

It warns outdoor play in England has declined by 50% in a generation because of streets dominated by traffic, fear about crime and “public spaces where young people are not welcome”.

The government says it is working with experts to develop a framework to improve access to activities outside of school.

The report is calling for a national Play Strategy for England and has made a number of recommendations including:

• A national ban on “no ball…