Students prefer to stay at home and surf the Net during holidays rather than do outdoor activities, according to a spokesperson at Guangzhou Children's Palace (GCP) yesterday.

A GCP survey, in conjunction with a local consultation company, found just 3.8 percent of pupils, aged four to 14, chose to do outdoor activities during the holidays. The poll was of 103 middle school students.

"Five years ago when the Internet was not so popular among students they preferred going out during summer holidays. Nowadays they prefer to stay at home and play Internet games," GCP media official Chen Weiqing said, adding statistics on the issue were only now being compiled.

Liu Xuemei, who teaches at Guangzhou No 13 Middle School, said most kids watched TV, read, slept or shopped during the holidays.

The survey also found 8.7 percent of students took part in summer educational camps.

Liu called for more holiday camps, or internships provided by educational authorities.

"The holidays should be a chance for students to do something they don't usually do, since they have been so stressed in class.

"Such social activities will allow students to understand what real life is all about," Liu said.

According to the survey most students were satisfied with their holidays and described them as "happy" and "funny."

The survey indicated 90 percent of students liked to read during holidays.

"Parents should communicate more with their children during the holidays and try not to interrupt their activities," Liu said.

(China Daily September 4, 2007)