Evolution of play: unsupervised bat and ball to today's screens

1950s:

• Outdoor play without adult supervision was common in both urban and rural US settings.

• Different ages played together.

• Bicycles and balls were the main outdoor toys, and board games were the most common inside.

• Much of play revolved around traditional games such as baseball, modified to fit space and materials.

1980s:

• Use of toys increased, and many were 'branded' – connected to TV characters – Barbies, Power Rangers, My Little Ponies, etc.

• Outdoor play was likely to be adult-supervised or part of an 'organized activity.'

• TV viewing was increasingly a part of free time.

• Athletics become more formal and age-based – such as soccer camp for 7-year-olds rather than neighborhood pickup soccer in a vacant lot.

2010s:

• Toys are the center of play; most are connected to media characters and are somehow electronic.

• Most free time is screen time spent in front of the TV, computer, etc.

• Unsupervised outdoor time is almost nonexistent. Physical activity of any kind has decreased.

• Multi-age, cross-gender play is disappearing, even among siblings.