Campaigners are urging for the removal of obstacles to children’s play in an effort to boost their health and wellbeing. They suggest scrapping the ubiquitous “no ball games” signs found on streets and estates nationwide, cracking down on daytime smartphone use, and increasing access to safe play areas.
The Raising the Nation Play Commission has dedicated the last year to exploring the importance of play for children and seeking ways to reintroduce it to a generation increasingly glued to smartphones and electronic gadgets. Their findings indicate that outdoor play has halved within one generation.
According to the report, there are numerous barriers to outdoor play that have contributed to driving kids indoors, leading to a more inactive lifestyle. The report highlights that UK streets are becoming more car-centric, making it risky for children to venture out alone.
Have your say! Is it time for the ever-present “no ball games” sign to get binned? Are there enough places in your neighbourhood for kids to gather and play safely? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
The report also points to a growing “increasing hostility” towards young people in public spaces, exemplified by the pervasive “no ball games” signs, concerns over crime in public places, and a general unwelcomeness towards the youth in urban centres. Furthermore, with councils keeping a tight rein on budgets, parks and playgrounds often fall by the wayside, resulting in them becoming dilapidated or even shut down.
The issue isn’t just confined to homes; it’s affecting schools as well. Children in Key Stage 1, aged between 5 and 7, are getting approximately 23 minutes less break time during the school day than they did three decades ago.
According to a recent report, schools are increasingly prioritising academic achievement over pupils’ overall wellbeing, cramming more into the school day and reducing outdoor playtime.
The Raising the Nation Play Commission has highlighted the significant advantages of playtime for children, including its role in tackling obesity and encouraging physical activity, which could alleviate future strain on health services.
The commission is advocating for the creation of a “National Play Strategy” for England, supported by a £125 million investment. It suggests that local councils should be tasked with ensuring their areas have adequate play spaces and equipment.
Moreover, the report calls for safer streets, both from traffic and crime perspectives, to allow children and their families to enjoy the outdoors without fear. It also recommends new training for teachers on the importance of play, guidance and support for parents, legal recognition of children’s rights, and family-focused engagement in new housing developments regarding play facilities.
Have your say! Is it time for the ever-present “no ball games” sign to get binned? Are there enough places in your neighbourhood for kids to gather and play safely? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
