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RESEARCHERS from the University of Reading are among those who have authored a report urging action on protecting the rights of children to play.
The Raising the Nation Play Commission interim report has highlighted an “alarming” decline in children’s play opportunities across England.
The authors, including two from the University of Reading, are calling for immediate government action to address what it describes as a “play crisis” affecting children’s health, wellbeing, and development.
The report emphasizes that play is not just a leisure activity, but a fundamental right protected under Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
It explains that today’s children have significantly fewer opportunities for play—especially outdoor play—than previous generations, with serious consequences for their physical health, mental wellbeing, academic achievement, and social development.
The report calls for four key actions: the establishment of a ‘play sufficiency duty’ in legislation, the development of a National Play Strategy, and the incorporation of the UNCRC into domestic law.
Its final key action calls for changes to the how play is supported in the school day, such as ring-fenced time for play, not removing play for poor behaviour, and Ofsted including play sufficiency as a measure of school performance.
The report stresses that quality play opportunities need not be expensive—often simply involving creating safe spaces for children to play with peers in their neighbourhoods—but are essential for children’s dignity and development.
Dr Naomi Lott, Lecturer in Law at the University of Reading, and the legal expert on the Commission, emphasized that England is falling behind other UK nations: “Scotland and Wales have already established Play Sufficiency Duties in legislation and implemented National Play Strategies, with both nations incorporating the UNCRC into domestic law.
“All our children deserve the same legal protections for their right to play.
“Whilst we are asking the Government to protect children’s right to play in legislation and policy, parents can help their children enjoy their right to play by encouraging more play outside with their friends and neighbours.”
Paul Lindley OBE, Chair of the Raising the Nation Play Commission, and Chancellor of the University of Reading said: “Play should be a crucial part of growing up–it improves development, physical and mental health, social skills, and school readiness.
“Yet our Commission has heard countless examples of how England’s children are missing out on the same play opportunities that their parents and grandparents enjoyed.
“An anti-play, ‘No Ball Games’ culture has emerged–hundreds of playgrounds have closed, half of all youth centres have gone, school playing fields have been sold.
“Our streets and public spaces feel less safe, and children are losing hours of play time at school every month.
“We can’t continue to watch as our children become increasingly unhealthy and unhappy. Play is a crucial tool for reversing the growing number of children with obesity, mental ill health, and developmental problems.
“It’s time to get our children playing again.”
