More than a third of parents struggle to get their children outside - because they can’t get them off their devices.

Parents are keen to get their children into the garden during the summer break, but half admitted they face a struggle to tear them away from their screens.

And 53 per cent said a lack of Wi-Fi connection in the garden is another reason for kids getting stuck inside - as they want to carry on playing video games and streaming content.

But the poll of 1,200 mums and dads, with school-aged children, found 48 per cent are also reluctant to let their youngsters venture outside because of concerns over their safety playing unsupervised.

Wasting their outdoor space

As a result, nearly half (48 per cent) feel they aren’t getting the most out of their outdoor space.

The research was commissioned by connectivity provider TalkTalk, which has partnered with futurologist Dr James Bellini, to predict how families will be using their outdoor spaces differently in the future.

Dr James Bellini, Technology Futurologist and Historian of the Future, said: “Creating another room in your garden is a great way to maximise space for the family.

“With the switch to flexible working over the past few years, there has been a surge in people creating offices in the gardens.

“But there are so many other buildings like treehouses, sheds, and Wendy houses that families will soon be tapping into.

“From creating a technology games room, to an outdoor cinema - these spaces will be given a new lease of life, unlocking additional entertainment and play spaces, without the costly expense of a purpose-built building.

“TalkTalk’s Total Home Wi-Fi add-on leverages eero devices to extend your home Wi-Fi into outdoor spaces. It’s a fantastic way to future proof your family home.”