Vast majority of teens spend winter weekends in ‘hibernation’, data shows

New YouGov research commissioned by car manufacturer, Dacia and Scouts, has revealed nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of young people spend their entire weekends in hibernation mode over the winter months.

When asked why respondents would not take part in fun outdoor activities between the winter months, the top reasons included poor weather conditions (58 per cent), not having a place to go (25 per cent), or not having any ideas for fun outdoor activities (21 per cent).

Parents are trying to encourage young people to head outdoors, with nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of young people admitting that their parents have attempted to get them to go outdoors during the winter months.

Teens have refused the opportunity to go outdoors due to choosing to connect with friends by being online, for example, social media or video games (51 per cent).

When asked how they prefer to spend their time indoors, the top reasons included watching their favourite television shows or films (71 per cent), playing video games online with friends (67 per cent) and connecting with friends on social media (55 per cent).

Despite this, over two-thirds (68 per cent) of young people surveyed agreed they would be more willing to go on outdoor adventures with friends if it was easier.

Similarly, nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) say they would be more likely to go on fun outdoor adventures with friends than stay indoors if it was less expensive.

“The research is telling us that there’s a real lean towards ‘hibernation mode’ as kids get to tween/teenage years”, says Professor Sam Wass, one of the UK’s leading child psychologists.

“Anyone who is a parent to an older child knows it can be difficult to persuade them to go outside, but there’s lots of evidence for countless benefits if they can get motivated to go outside.

“It’s great to see Dacia and Scouts partner together and set up a fund to encourage more outdoor activity in young people.”

Starting this November, Dacia and Scouts have partnered to help make adventure more accessible for young people for winter and beyond.

Dacia has created a £50,000 grant pot for Scouts.

This fund will be used to train volunteer Scout Leaders, to help develop their adventure skills so that they can pass it on for years to come.

Skills in canoeing, climbing and navigation will help Scouts from across the UK, especially in those harder to reach communities where volunteer Scout Leaders are key to unlocking adventure for young people.

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