Report Urges Action to Prioritize Play and Combat Screen Time in Children's Lives

A new report is urging the government to prioritize the creation of child-friendly, playful neighborhoods. This call to action is driven by concerns about the increasing dominance of smartphones in children's lives. The report highlights how factors like playground closures, busy roads, shorter school breaks, and increased screen time have limited children's opportunities for play.

The report emphasizes the need for immediate action to encourage outdoor play and reduce reliance on digital devices and social media. It warns of the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle dominated by screen time, citing the negative impact on children's health and well-being.

The commission behind the report, chaired by the founder of an organic baby food manufacturer, in partnership with a think tank, has called for a National Play Strategy for England. This strategy would be supported by a significant annual investment and led by a dedicated "minister for play."

The proposed strategy includes a commitment to improve children's use of digital devices through stronger regulation, public engagement, and addressing addictive factors that drive children online. The inquiry also calls for raising the digital age of consent and banning smartphones in schools during the school day.

Furthermore, the report suggests making it easier for parents to organize "safe play" in their streets and removing "No Ball Games" signs. A poll commissioned by the inquiry revealed that a majority of parents believe their youngest child plays outside less than they did when they were children.

The Raising the Nation Play Commission, comprised of expert commissioners, conducted a year-long inquiry into restoring play to every childhood in England. The inquiry's findings underscore the importance of play for children's health, well-being, happiness, learning, and development.

The report provides a blueprint for getting children playing again and tackling the issue of excessive screen time. A government minister has indicated consideration of measures to restrict the amount of time children spend on their phones, including a possible curfew.

The chairman of the commission emphasizes that creating playful communities involves better street design, traffic management, and reducing crime, as well as addressing the growing intolerance towards children playing. The goal is to give children back the time, space, opportunity, freedom, and right to play.

A government spokesperson acknowledged the importance of play and access to nature for children's development and well-being. They highlighted existing initiatives aimed at promoting outdoor activities and improving access to activities outside of school. They also noted that schools already have the power to restrict or ban phones in the classroom and that new rules under the Online Safety Act will require social media platforms to protect children from harmful content online.