London, Nov 15 : Britain’s Minister for Children, Beverly Hughes, has warned that the problem of obesity is on the rise among kids because they are spending less time in playgrounds and more before computers and social networking websites.

Hughes urged parents not be over-protective and to encourage their kids to take up outdoor activities.

While speaking at the launch of a report on children's facilities, produced by the left-wing think tank Demos, Hughes called on local authorities and parents to encourage outdoor play as a way to develop independence, confidence and hardiness among children.

"Intensely realistic computer games and social networking sites like MySpace are examples of how technology can be a pull factor for children and young people, encouraging them to stay indoors, not just when the weather is bad but pretty much all of the time, " The Telegraph quoted her, as saying.

The study, launched at the Young Vic theatre in London yesterday, found public areas are frequently "actively anti-social to children".

The study, commissioned by Play England, the organisation that promotes play, is based on nine months of interviews with young people, professionals and policy makers in six areas of the UK. (ANI)