Over the last 25 years, I’ve witnessed many changes in how children develop and interact with the world. But perhaps none is as concerning as what I’m seeing today: a significant decline in children’s fine and gross motor skills.
After two decades of observing children in my therapy rooms in Orpington and Harley Street, I can say with certainty that today’s children are demonstrating the worst motor coordination skills I’ve ever seen. This isn’t just my professional opinion—it’s a growing crisis backed by research and observed by teachers, healthcare professionals, and researchers across the UK.
The Crisis in Numbers: What the Research Shows
Recent studies paint a concerning picture of children’s physical development in the UK:
- A shocking 77% of UK primary school teachers have observed a deterioration in pupils’ fine motor skills—holding a pencil, drawing, writing, and using scissors—since early 2020.
- Less than 20% of children aged 6-9 years have mastered the four key motor skills identified in the National Curriculum for PE: running, jumping, throwing, and catching.
- Only 47.8% of children meet the UK Chief Medical Officers’ guideline of at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day.
- Activity levels are particularly low among children in school years 3-4 (ages 7-9), with just 41% considered ‘active’—a figure that has stagnated over recent years.
Professor Mike Duncan from Coventry University’s research Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences has warned that the UK is facing a “tsunami of health issues” if we don’t address this alarming decline. Without intervention, we’re looking at increased rates of obesity, diabetes, and mental health challenges.
Why Are Children’s Motor Skills Declining?
In my clinic, I regularly assess children’s fine and gross motor development as part of a comprehensive evaluation. The changes I’ve observed over recent years have several clear causes:
1. Increased Screen Time and Decreased Physical Play
Children today spend unprecedented amounts of time on tablets, phones, and computers. While technology offers many benefits, excessive screen time means less time spent in physical activities that develop essential motor skills.
The repetitive swiping and tapping motions used with touchscreens don’t develop the same fine motor control as activities like building with blocks, threading beads, or playing with playdough. Similarly, sitting while gaming doesn’t develop the gross motor skills gained from climbing, running, and jumping.
2. Reduced Outdoor Play and Risk-Taking
Today’s children have fewer opportunities for unstructured outdoor play than previous generations. Concerns about safety, busy family schedules, and reduced access to green spaces have limited children’s chances to climb trees, balance on walls, or engage in rough-and-tumble play—all activities that build coordination, strength, and spatial awareness.
3. Changes in School Curriculum and Priorities
With increased academic pressures, many schools have reduced time for PE, art, and hands-on activities. As the research shows, 76% of teachers say art is not prioritized, and nearly one in five report spending no time teaching art each week—yet these activities are crucial for developing fine motor control.
4. Over-Structuring of Children’s Time
Many children move from one adult-directed activity to another, with little time for free play and exploration. While organised sports and activities have benefits, they often don’t provide the variety of movement experiences that children need for comprehensive motor development.
Why Motor Skills Matter for Communication and Learning
As a speech and language therapist, I’m particularly concerned about the impact of poor motor skills on children’s overall development. Motor skills aren’t just about physical abilities—they’re fundamentally connected to speech, language, and cognitive development.
The Connection Between Motor Skills and Speech
The same neural pathways and motor planning abilities used for coordinating physical movements are also essential for speech production. When a child struggles with gross and fine motor coordination, they often face challenges with the precise movements needed for clear speech.
In my practice, I frequently observe that children with motor coordination difficulties also present with:
- Difficulty sequencing and coordinating the movements needed for speech
- Challenges with oral motor skills (control of lips, tongue, and jaw)
- Issues with speech rhythm and timing
Motor Skills and Academic Success
Fine motor skills are essential for classroom success. Children need these skills for:
- Handwriting and drawing
- Using scissors, rulers, and other classroom tools
- Organizing their work in exercise books
- Manipulating objects for science, maths, and art activities
Poor motor skills can lead to frustration, reduced confidence, and avoidance of academic tasks, potentially setting children up for a negative relationship with learning.
What Parents Can Do: Practical Strategies
The good news is that motor skills can improve significantly with the right support and activities. Here are some effective strategies I recommend to parents in my practice:
1. Prioritize Physical Play Every Day
Make time for at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This doesn’t need to be all at once—it can be broken into smaller, manageable chunks throughout the day.
2. Create a Movement-Rich Home Environment
Simple changes can make a big difference:
- Keep balls, skipping ropes, and other active toys easily accessible
- Create an indoor movement area with cushions for jumping, tunnels for crawling, and space for dancing
- Limit screen time and balance it with physical activities
3. Focus on Fine Motor Development
Include daily activities that strengthen hand muscles and improve dexterity:
- Playdough and clay modelling
- Threading beads or pasta
- Using tweezers to pick up small objects
- Drawing, colouring, and cutting activities
- Building with construction toys
4. Make Movement Fun, Not a Chore
Children are more likely to engage in physical activities when they’re enjoyable:
- Follow their interests—if they love animals, try animal movement games
- Use music and dancing for movement breaks
- Make outdoor walks into adventures with scavenger hunts or nature spotting
5. Embrace Messy Play
Sensory and messy play are excellent for developing both fine motor skills and sensory processing:
- Water play with pouring, squirting, and splashing
- Sand play for digging, pouring, and building
- Finger painting and hands-on art activities
6. Support Whole-Body Development
Focus on activities that develop coordination, balance, and strength:
- Playground time with climbing, swinging, and balancing
- Swimming—an excellent whole-body activity
- Obstacle courses at home or in the garden
- Rough and tumble play in safe environments
When to Seek Professional Help
While all children develop at their own pace, certain signs might indicate a need for professional support:
- If your child struggles significantly more than peers with activities requiring coordination
- If fine motor delays impact their ability to participate in age-appropriate activities
- If your child avoids physical activities due to frustration or difficulty
- If motor skill challenges are accompanied by speech or language difficulties
Early intervention is key. As a therapist, I find that addressing motor skill challenges early often leads to better outcomes and prevents the development of negative attitudes toward physical activities.
The Way Forward: A Call to Action
The decline in children’s motor skills is a serious concern, but it’s one we can address together—parents, educators, and therapists working in partnership.
In my practice, I’ve seen remarkable progress when children receive consistent support both in therapy and at home. Even small changes in daily routines can make a significant difference over time.
Let’s commit to giving our children the movement experiences they need to develop strong bodies, confident communication, and the physical skills that will support them throughout life. Their future health and wellbeing depend on the foundation we help them build today.
Hulya Mehmet is a Consultant Speech and Language Therapist with over 25 years of experience specializing in children’s communication and developmental needs. She provides assessments and therapy at her practices in Orpington and Harley Street, London, and is the author of “Is it Autism? Or Late Talking?”, a guide to help parents understand the distinction between communication delays and autism spectrum disorder.