日本では、1960年ごろから町に道路やビルが次々につくられ、公園や（注）空き地が少しずつ削られてきた。このような町の変化によって、屋外で子どもの遊ぶ場所が減少した。そして、子どもの遊び方も変化してきた。昔は子どもは外で遊ぶことが多かったが、今は一人で、室内でテレビを見たり、ゲームをしたりすることが多い。
このことは，二つの点で子どもたちに重大な影響を与えた。一つ目は「体力」への影響である。子どもの体力と運動に関する調査では、走る、跳ぶ、投げるなどの基礎的な体力 は昔より落ちている。外で体を動かして遊ぶ機会が減ったことが、最大の原因だと考えられている。
二つ目は「付き合い方」への影響である。昔は、近所の子どもが一緒に外で遊び、年齢や個人による違いを受け入れて、付き合い方を学習した。しかし、今は部屋で一人で過ごす時間が長くなり、人間関係がうまく作れない子どもが増えてしまった。
これからも日本の町は発展していくだろうが、それが子どもに与える影響も忘れてはいけない。
（注）空き地：建物が建っていない、使われていない土地
AI translation, cross-checked between two models.
In Japan, since around 1960, roads and buildings have been constructed one after another in towns, gradually reducing parks and vacant lots.（注） Because of these changes in towns, the number of places where children can play outdoors has decreased. The way children play has also changed. In the past, children often played outside, but today they often spend time alone indoors watching television or playing games.
This has had a serious impact on children in two respects. The first is the effect on “physical fitness.” According to a survey on children’s physical fitness and exercise, basic physical abilities such as running, jumping, and throwing have declined compared with the past. The decrease in opportunities to play outside and move their bodies is considered the biggest cause.
The second is the effect on “how children interact with others.” In the past, neighborhood children played outside together and learned how to interact with others by accepting differences in age and individual characteristics. However, children now spend more time alone in their rooms, and the number of children who have difficulty forming good relationships with others has increased.
Japanese towns will probably continue to develop, but we must not forget the effects that this development has on children.
(Note) Vacant lot: land with no buildings on it that is not being used.
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