Outdoor play for children

ePolitix.com's Stakeholders comment on suggestions that the lack of outdoor play for children is damaging their health.

A letter signed by almost 300 academics, including ePolitix.com Stakeholder Play England, claims: "Over-anxious parents, computer games and school tests are to blame."

The lack of play is also believed to be damaging the mental health of children.

 

Stakeholder response: Play England

To send a comment to Play England, click

Play England, as a signatory to the letter, said: "The letter comes 12 months on from a similar letter expressing concerns about the aspects of modern life that have eroded children’s ability to leave their home unsupervised.

"A year on and there is little evidence of change.

"All of our research confirms that parents are keenly aware of the benefits of outdoor play but have genuine concerns about the suitability of the outdoor world: traffic, bullying and run down or inaccessible play areas are real, not imagined barriers.

"Many families do not have gardens, but, in any event, it is the opportunities for social development, to enjoy really vigorous physical activity and to explore the wider world that is so important about outdoor play.

"Indoor entertainment has always been a part of growing up but, given the choice, most parents would prefer their children to be out playing with their friends whenever the weather allows, and so would their children.

"What is needed are serious commitments at all levels of government to embed children's need to play within all plans and strategies for public space, transport, housing and children's services.

"Research shows that where the public realm is genuinely child-friendly, children play out as much as they ever did and their parents are happy for them to do so.

"With close to 355 local play strategies in place covering the whole country, local authorities will need more than lottery funding to make the significant and lasting changes necessary.

"Play England will publish specific calls for action from government later this year, in its document Action for Play."

 

Stakeholder response: ATL

To send a comment to ATL, click

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said: "ATL believes that outdoor play is vital for developing children’s physical, social and imaginative skills.

"It is where they learn to explore and experiment and to take risks, and where they develop independence and friendships.

"Children need opportunities in and out of school for spontaneous play which is not planned or led by adults.

"Teachers are already reporting a lack of confidence in some children when it comes to taking part in unstructured activity.

"A more flexible curriculum which gives teachers the freedom to inspire youngsters so they want to learn, not just pass tests, would enable teachers to help those children who need support in developing these skills."

 

Stakeholder response: Princes Foundation for Integrated Health

To send a comment to The Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health, click

Kim Lavely, chief executive of the Prince's Foundation for Integrated Health, said: "All the evidence suggests that play is an essential element to children's mental and physical health.

"However, despite all recent efforts to encourage parents, schools and communities to promote the benefits of outside play for children, there appears to be no sign of a reversal of the downward trend in the provision of opportunities for children to engage in physical activity.

"We are starting to understand some of the barriers, such as making children and their families feel confident about their neighbourhood and the need for natural play spaces which should start to lead to potential solutions.
 
"But if we fail to tackle this issues, we are going to store up huge health problems for these children as they move into adulthood, such as an increase in the burden of chronic conditions directly arising from the unprecedented levels of childhood obesity.

"We face the frightening prospect that our children may live shorter lives than their parents.

"There is no magic bullet to solve these complex and interrelated problems.

"A joined up approach across all stakeholders, for initiatives such as creating creative play spaces and reassuring parents of their child's safety, is essential if we are going to make a difference."