When a child stops enjoying outdoor play they once loved, could it be linked to excessive media use? 

Parenting Perspective 

A sudden loss of interest in previously loved outdoor activities can often be a sign that a child’s relationship with screens is becoming imbalanced. 

Understanding the Shift in Stimulation 

Screens provide a constant stream of intense, fast-paced rewards that are hard for real-world activities to match. If a child who used to love playing outside now finds it “boring,” it may be because their brain is becoming conditioned to the hyper-stimulation of digital media, making the simpler, slower joys of nature and physical play feel less appealing. 

Observing Their Behavioural Cues 

Look for specific behavioural clues. A key sign is when a child shows irritation or lethargy when invited to go outside but becomes instantly animated and energetic when a screen is offered. If they constantly ask to go back indoors or seem anxious when separated from their device, it is likely that a media dependence is forming. 

Assessing the Screen-to-Play Ratio 

Take stock of your child’s daily routine. The World Health Organization recommends at least an hour of active play for young children. If you notice that screen time is consistently displacing this, it is a clear sign that their habits are shifting from active physical engagement to passive entertainment, which can affect their long-term health and development. 

Gently Reintroducing Outdoor Fun 

The solution is not to punish but to positively reconnect. Gently reduce screen availability while proactively reintroducing outdoor activities. Make it about connection and fun, such as through parent-child games, nature walks with friends, or new outdoor challenges. Over time, their enjoyment and attention span for the joys of the real world can be restored. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam encourages an appreciation for the natural world and promotes physical activity as part of a healthy, balanced life. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Takweer (81), Verse 17–18: 

‘And by the night when it relinquishes (life temporarily). And by the dawn when it re-infuses (life).’ 

In His creation of the day and night, Allah has made the natural world a sign of His majesty and a source of wellbeing. A childhood spent predominantly indoors, disconnected from the rhythm of the sun and the feel of the earth, is a childhood disconnected from these beautiful signs. Encouraging outdoor play helps a child flourish in the world Allah has created for them. 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ specifically endorsed physical and outdoor skills. 

It is recorded in Musnad Ahmad, 323, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Teach your children swimming, archery, and horse riding.‘ 

This instruction is a clear endorsement of an active, outdoor upbringing. It teaches us that developing physical skills and engaging with the world is a valued part of a Muslim’s development. It frames screen time as a modern tool that must be kept in balance, never replacing the timeless and prophetic tradition of real-life adventure and play.