In a letter responding to recent coverage, Ellen Weaver emphasises the importance of allowing children to play outside independently. She references Swiss research cited by Lenore Skenazy, where 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.
Parental pressure and traffic dangers
Weaver notes that while parents need relief from the cultural expectation of constant supervision, they cannot simply open their doors for children to play in traffic. Urban transport policies and residential design must recognise outdoor play as a vital necessity for children.
Playgrounds insufficient for development
The Swiss research demonstrated that playgrounds do not meet children's play needs. Parents of children unable to play outside near their homes frequently took them to playgrounds, yet 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, where play was greater in amount and quality.
UK children's health at risk
Weaver points to recent reports that UK children will be one of the unhealthiest generations in decades. In much of Europe, it remains normal for children to go places without an adult, meeting friends to play in public spaces without police involvement. The consequences of preventing children from sufficient free play and independence are disastrous and costly, she argues.
Call for action on tech and play
While tech companies must be made to end harmful, addictive content, Weaver suggests that children turn to virtual play when they cannot play where they live. She calls on Andy Burnham to take play seriously and appoint a minister for children.
