The play's the thing
Published
The role of play as a cornerstone of child development has been highlighted in a new report, Power2Play, from The University of Winchester and the campaign group Alliance 4 Children.
Power2Play calls on the government to make play a priority in England with the development of a National Play Strategy to guarantee opportunities for play that align with those in Wales and Scotland. The group would also like to see the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child put into law – as it is in Scotland. This upholds children’s right to play. They also recommend the creation of a Department for Children, Young People & Families to ensure joined-up thinking across policy areas.
Core messages of the report are:
• Play is not optional: it’s essential.
• Play builds brains, communities and the future.
• A Creative Britain begins with empowered children.
• Play should be protected, ring-fencing children’s rights to thrive.
• Digital balance, physical space and emotional safety are key.
There has been a steep decline in play opportunities for children in England with a 50 per cent reduction in outdoor play over a generation and the closure of 400 playgrounds between 2012 and 2022.
Existing open spaces are often not child-friendly: they are increasingly in need of repair, and many community spaces display ‘No Ball Games’ signs. As play opportunities have diminished, social media and smart phones have become an increasingly significant part of children’s daily lives, raising long term concerns over childhood obesity, sleep disorders, and mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. Technology has many benefits but the campaign group are calling for a more balanced approach to screentime and playtime.
Visit press@winchester.ac.uk
