Traditional chasing and running games, like hide and seek and tip the can, appear to be a lot less popular among Irish children than computer games, according to the results of a new survey.

Children aged between six and 12, along with their parents, were asked a series of questions about what they enjoyed as children, and what they did not like. When asked what games they like to play, 42% chose computer games, compared to just 18% who chose chasing and running games.

These were followed by make believe games, e.g. pretending to be somebody else, building games such as Lego and jigsaws/puzzles.

When asked what their favourite activities are, the top five were soccer, swimming, Gaelic football, hurling and riding bicycles.

The children were also asked what the best thing about being a child is. Playing with friends when you want/having friends come over was the top answer, followed by receiving presents at Christmas, going on holidays with your family, watching TV, getting pocket money and playing video games.

When it came to the worst thing about being a child, having to do school homework topped the list, followed by being told when to go to bed, going to school, being told to turn the TV off and having rules.

One in four children said name calling and bullying is the worst thing about being a child.

When asked why children get into trouble, the biggest culprit was found to be ‘not doing homework', followed by fighting with siblings, not listening to parents/teachers, messing in school and getting your clothes dirty.

The children were also asked what their dream job would be. Among girls, the job that came out on top was teacher. Other popular jobs were singer, doctor and nurse.

Among boys, the top job was a professional athlete, followed by a video game designer, fireman, doctor and teacher.

Meanwhile when asked what they would wish for, the top wish was to visit Disneyland, followed by ‘to live in a mansion', and to visit Legoland.

Among the parents, two in three said they felt that their child's childhood is better than theirs. The main reason for this is because they have better educational opportunities. Other reasons given included better access to technology, parents can provide more financially and parents have better relationships with their children these days.

The survey of 276 children and parents was carried out last month on behalf of Calpol.