Chinese youngsters are low on sleep, lack play activities outdoor

Children under 6 in China are among those who have the least amount of sleep, outdoor activities and quality time with parents compared to peers around the globe, says a report on early childhood released in Shanghai on Thursday.

The report by Gymboree, an early childhood education service provider, is based on a survey conducted in early 2012 that polled some 7,500 families in 14 countries.

The survey found that Chinese children under the age of 6 sleep for an average of 9 hours and 15 minutes every day, lower than the global average of 10 hours and 9 minutes, ranking third last among the countries, which included Japan, South Korea, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.