In my neighborhood, we would only see a handful of kids playing outside until a few years ago. Suddenly, when one family with 4 kids moved in, those children spent LOTS of time outside. With the range of ages from 3-12, soon all the other kids in that age range were playing outside. It has been quite the transformation in 2 years time. Bikes, dolls, sidewalk drawings, girls making friendship bracelets, pick up ball games. It’s been great to see it go from mostly quiet to mostly active. Very refreshing.
I have to caveat this with the opinion that we live in a modern day Mayberry. Small Midwest town that has some of the modern problems, but tries to tackle them with the helpful Midwest spirit of genuine friendliness, respect, and we-can-get-it-done.
“Mayberry: it’s not a place, it’s a state of mind.” - from the movie, “Mayberry Man” (which was mostly filmed in my town).
My kids played outdoors, but it’s because we lived on a ranch with the nearest neighbor 12 or so miles away (and a paved road 2 miles away).
When we lived in the city, they really didn’t. It just wasn’t safe from perverts.
Good, but take away the smartphone and gaming console and you would see that occur naturally,.