Lego survey: Chinese kids play just 6 hours weekly, yet parents value it

Chinese children only spend six hours a week playing on average, less than 2 percent of their week, while one-third of children globally have found their playtime is limited to just three hours weekly.

According to research conducted by global toy maker Lego Group, play is a fundamental part of every child's growth, developing crucial 'superpowers' or skills, that benefit them now and in the future. The survey interviewed 245,973 children aged between 5 and 12 and 32,781 parents in the world in 2022 at 35 countries and regions.

The good news is that more than 90 percent of parents in China recognize the power of play in helping their children develop skills. Confidence, being focused, determination and creativity are the top skills that parents believe their children will need for the future - all skills that play helps them develop, according to the report.

A total of 67 percent of parents are choosing achievement-based activities over free play, believing it will lead their children to greater success in the future.

The top activities parents prioritize are sports clubs, learning languages and tutoring.

About 54 percent of parents say time spent on these activities has increased over the last three years, often at the expense of playtime.

Stella Shen, marketing vice-president of Lego Group China, said the company this year has launched many events inviting children to play with their brick toys in major cities in the country -- to take the first step in acting on play is crucial, in addition to its continuous efforts in expanding brick-and-mortar stores, which now has more than 400 branded stores -- to offer play experiences for children.