There are concerns our younger generations are growing up ill-equipped with basic survival skills because of a growing number of over-protective parents.
Dubbed the cotton wool generation, the last decade has seen in rise in mollycoddled children who are growing up into nervous adults.
There are concerns kids who are kept from activities like bike riding and climbing trees will be at greater risk of increased anxiety disorders.
NSW Commissioner for Children and Young People Gillian Calvert warned that fears over traffic and stranger danger have meant children are missing out on basic life skills and simple pleasures.
"Over the past 10 years we have seen a real reduction in the range at which children can leave their family home and move freely," Ms Calvert told News Limited.
"Kids tell us they can't ride their bikes around streets anymore."
Doctors at the NSW Commission of Children and Young People and University of NSW conference reported that rates of anxiety disorders are on the rise among children whose freedom is restricted.
Sports Medicine Unit director Dr Carolyn Broderick said fundamental motor skills were developed through play, as well as balance, co-ordination and strength.
"Children now have a fear that wasn't there in the past," she said.