A recent British study shows that nearly half of all kids are pushed outside to play by their parents because they’d rather stay inside and use their phones and play video games. I’m surprised the percentage is that low. But I suppose many kids get some fresh air and sunshine while they’re at soccer practice.

This summer, my neighbor’s two small children have been outside most days, either riding their bikes or swimming in their new pool. But they’re the only children I’ve seen doing so. I guess everyone else is inside texting each other.

My kids were usually brown by August because they’d been playing outside all summer. I was the same way when I was a kid. Will those days ever return? Or are kids doomed by technology to stay inside all the time from now on?