A major study by Play England, part of the National Children's Bureau, found that half of all children have been stopped from climbing trees, 21 per cent have been banned from playing conkers and 17 per cent have been told they cannot take part in games of tag or chase. Some parents are going to such extreme lengths to protect their children from danger that they have even said no to hide-and-seek.

The tendency to wrap children in cotton wool has transformed how they experience childhood. According to the research, 70 per cent of adults had their biggest childhood adventures in outdoor spaces among trees, rivers and woods, compared with only 29 per cent of children today. The majority of young people questioned said that their biggest adventures took place in playgrounds.

The Play England study quotes a number of play providers who highlight the benefits to children of taking risks. 'Risk-taking increases the resilience of children,' said one. 'It helps them make judgments,' said another.

If you take all the fun out of life, don't be surprised when they rebel and starting doing cocaine and make young girls pregnant on the weekends. To avoid the social extremes our children need adventure, risky play and challenge. We all need it. Our society is institutionalized boredom. Corrupt wants to free us from this hamster wheel and learn people to discover the magic and beauty of life again. We need a new spirit.