PARENTS are too frightened of social services or other parents’ criticism to let their children play outside and possibly suffer cuts and bruises.

That’s the opinion of former Springwatch presenter Kate Humble who is urging parents to ignore these fears and allow children more freedom outdoors.

She felt it was a “great sadness” that modern play areas needed to be risk-assessed and that mums and dads lived in fear of children climbing trees and grazing knees.

She’s absolutely right, and the situation is getting worse. Children, especially during Summer months when the weather can be beautiful, need to be running about outside and enjoying themselves playing wherever and whenever they can.

It’s in the nature of this play that scrapes can occur. They mean nothing, as any sensible person knows, yet the benefits of this free play are huge. Basic parental instincts need heeding here – just let them have fun.