Too much homework and television are stopping children from being children, according to a poll of parents.

They believe that children's lives are too structured and pressurised with little time to play.

Homework, extra lessons, after-school clubs and television are all preventing youngsters from enjoying playtime, according to the poll of 2,000 parents.

More than half (51per cent) of those questioned said children are under more pressure today than ever before, while one in 10 (11per cent) believe their own youngsters' lives are too structured.

And one in five (20 per cent) say they do not believe their children have enough free time just to be children.

Two thirds (66 per cent) of parents said homework, extra lessons and after-school activities are preventing children from having time to play each day, while almost three in 10 (37 per cent) blamed television.

Almost one in four (23 per cent) cited longer travel to and from school, and clubs and activities as the reason for short playtimes.

The poll, commissioned by The British Toy and Hobby Association and Play England found that parents say their child spends, on average, 69.77 minutes a day playing.

But they would like their children to spend an extra 72.67 minutes at play.

Nearly half (43 per cent) wished they could spend more time playing with their children.