A letter writer has urged policymakers to ensure children can play outside independently, warning that preventing free play has disastrous consequences for their health and development.
Swiss research highlights importance of unsupervised play
In response to an article by Lenore Skenazy, Ellen Weaver of Hartland, Devon, cited Swiss research showing that young children playing unsupervised was culturally accepted and normal. The study found that children who did not play outside independently were prevented from doing so by traffic.
Weaver argued that parents cannot simply open their doors for children to play in traffic. Urban transport policies and residential design must respect outdoor play as a vital necessity for children.
Playgrounds insufficient for children's needs
The Swiss research proved that playgrounds do not meet children's needs for play. Parents of children who could not play out where they lived frequently took them to playgrounds, but those children were significantly limited in personal confidence, cognitive development, social abilities, and fine and gross motor skills compared with children who played out by their homes.
Weaver noted that in much of Europe, it is still normal for children to go places without an adult. Children meet up with friends in public spaces without police intervention, making them much more active, confident, and healthy.
UK children among unhealthiest generations
Weaver pointed to recent reports that UK children will be one of the unhealthiest generations in decades. She called the consequences of preventing free play and independence disastrous and enormously costly.
While tech companies must be made to end harmful, addictive content, Weaver argued that children play virtually because they often cannot play where they live. She urged Andy Burnham to take play seriously and appoint a minister for children.
