Play 'vital' for child development
14 Nov 2008Play time helps children to develop resilience and the ability to adapt to different situations, experiences and relationships, new research has found.
A study carried out by the University of Gloucestershire on behalf of Play England revealed that playing can be linked to a child's mental and emotional development.
According to the researchers, the immediacy, spontaneity and uncertainty of child's play is of significant benefit to children's emotional
health and wellbeing.
Co-authors of the paper Stuart Lester and Wendy Russell, said: "Emotions have a key role in playing and play makes a major contribution to developing emotion regulation, building strong attachments and peer friendships, engendering positive feelings, and enabling children to cope with stressful situations through developing creative approaches and problem solving skills."
However, the report highlights that many children in the UK are being denied these developmental benefits due to the lack of safe, secure environments for kids to play in.
Play England is contracted by the Department for Children, Schools and Families to support and provide guidance to local authorities who have been allocated funding to provide play opportunities for kids and young people.
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