Now that sport is no longer compulsory in schools and the computer age is upon us, children's play and exercise are suffering. Kids are increasingly driven to and from school and spend more time at home watching TV and playing on computers.

Meanwhile, their diets have deteriorated, with junk food playing a larger part. As a result there are more obese children than ever before.

Now National Children's Activity Week has been launched by Tumble Tots to try to change all this.

But it's not as simple as that, with parents often restricted by their environment.

Sharon Jones, a 28-year-old mum from Coriander Way, Blackbird Leys, explained her predicament: "I don't let the kids out because of the traffic. Kids tend to play behind parked cars and because the housing is so close together, cars park on the verges, reducing the potential play areas."

Sharon has found a solution. She installed a slide, trampoline and swing in her garden and takes her three children, aged four to seven, on walks. They also go swimming and to football practice.

"By the time they come home they are tired out so don't want to play outside. But I must admit sometimes it's tempting to just put them in front of the TV," she said.

Even though Sharon praises school lunches, the kids still take lunchboxes.

"They have a sandwich, yoghurt, fruit and a cereal bar. It means I can monitor what they eat," Sharon said.

The whole problem of play is a universal concern. In August 2,000 children took part in Playday, organised by Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire Play Association at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre.

Centre manager Margaret Stevens said at the time: "It's to celebrate children's right to play. I think children tend to be stuck in front of computers and do not necessarily get the chance to do lots of imaginative types of play."

But why have parents allowed this to happen? Cheryl Chapman, a special needs co-ordinator at Windale First School in Blackbird Leys, said she had noticed a difference. "In PE classes the kids are certainly not as fit as they used to be. They are breathless and spluttering very quickly.

"But it's hardly surprising. Their lunchboxes are stuffed with crisps and chocolate and lots of kids are driven to school.

"It's a reflection on society. We are getting lazier. I'm as guilty as anyone - I drive to the local shop instead of walking.

"And letting your kids out to play is no longer possible. The ones that are allowed out often get into trouble and the ones that stay in often watch TV instead.

"But my advice would be to encourage parents to teach their kids to play. We live in a 'push this button and see what happens' culture.

"After-school clubs are a good alternative," she added.

Wendy Foster, director of the Play Association, which runs 74 after-school clubs in Oxfordshire, said: "We offer a range of activities not available at home. Kids have a choice and we offer concessionary rates for parents that otherwise couldn't afford it."

Sue Dobson, area co-ordinator of the 13 Tumble Tots classes around Oxfordshire, said: "People's lives are much more hectic these days and parents have less time to actually play or exercise their children.

"They can't just tell them to go for a walk or play outside or on their own in the park for security reasons. So instead children are often left with toys or in front of the TV."

Sue has organised activities this week to highlight the problem and offer alternatives. "Play is fun and we are encouraging the kids to be active," she said.

For further information telephone 01235 868119.

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