Socio-ecological determinants of activity choice and independence in children’s out-of-home leisure time. A study from Germany

This study investigates associations between socio-ecological factors and children’s activity choice and independence in children’s out-of-home leisure time. Adapting the “Socio-ecological model of children's independent mobility and transportation outcomes” (Mitra, Manaugh 2020), we draw on a survey conducted in Dortmund, Germany, in autumn 2020 (n = 649) and analyze children’s activities on the weekend prior to the survey (children aged 5–10). Our results show that household travel and parents’ perceptions are significantly associated with children’s leisure activities. In particular, the routine of escorting children to walkable non-school places is negatively associated with visiting friends or going to playgrounds, parks or forests but with a higher likelihood of adult company for all activity categories studied. The analyses suggest a negative relationship between parental concerns and activity participation as well as independence in children’s leisure time. Conversely, parental perception of familial integration into the neighborhood was positively associated with activity participation and negatively associated with adult company on activities. Furthermore, socio-economic status of the household and social disadvantage appear to affect children’s leisure activities. Regarding built environments, we find that children living in commercial-industrial and multifamily residential environments had higher odds of going to playgrounds, parks or forests, but children living in commercial-industrial residential environments had lower odds of visiting friends. The availability of playgrounds and playing fields in the neighborhood was not associated with activity choice and independence on any of the activity categories studied here. We recommend ensuring access to adequate outdoor play spaces for children, particularly in residential environments, where private gardens are not available as outdoor alternatives. To promote children’s active and independent leisure time, policies could benefit from more holistic approaches. For example, car-free days help strengthen local social bonds to build mutual trust and reduce parental concerns.