The Play Matters Collective 2024 Play Summit
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The Valuing Children Initiative team recently attended The Play Matters Collective 2024 Play Summit, an event that brought together educators, school administrators, play therapists, local government, and, most importantly, children and young people, to explore the essential role of play in childhood development.
The Summit was opened by the Commissioner for Children and Young People, who shared insights from her experiences as both a child and a parent. Following her, Minister Sabine Winton, drawing from her years as a teacher, emphasized the importance of play in learning. She powerfully stated, “without play, you can’t learn,” setting the tone for a day full of valuable discussions.
A standout moment from the Summit was the panel featuring children and young people, who offered their firsthand perspectives on play. They shared how they like to play, the barriers they face, and how adults can help foster more opportunities for play. It was a reminder that children themselves are the experts in what they need, and their voices must be central in any conversation about their development.
Key Takeaways from the Summit: #
- Play is for all ages: One of the strong messages from the panel was that play isn’t just for “little kids.” Governments and urban planners need to consider the needs of children and young people of all ages when designing play spaces and playgrounds.
- Limited green spaces in Perth: The urban sprawl of Perth was highlighted as a barrier to outdoor play. With fewer green spaces available, children have fewer opportunities to engage in spontaneous, unstructured play.
- Academic pressures: Schoolwork, homework, NAPLAN, and study pressures were frequently cited as major obstacles to play. For many children, the demands of academic success leave little room for downtime and imaginative play.
- Busy schedules: Outside of school, over-scheduled lives were another significant factor. Many children find that extracurricular activities, though enriching, take up so much time that there is little left for unstructured play.
- Risk aversion: A thought-provoking discussion emerged around “risky play” and how parents and regulators, with the best of intentions, may limit children’s opportunities to engage in activities that allow them to learn about risk in a safe, developmental context.
- Peer pressure around play: Interestingly, the panel highlighted how children and young people themselves can feel judged by their peers for engaging in play that might be perceived as too “childish.” This social pressure can discourage them from fully embracing play, especially as they grow older.
The Play Matters Collective 2024 Play Summit reinforced the idea that play is vital for children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. It is essential that parents, educators, and policymakers come together to create environments that encourage and protect play, ensuring that children of all ages can experience the joy and learning that come from it.
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As we continue to advocate for children’s rights, including their right to play, it’s clear that we need to challenge the barriers that get in the way and listen closely to children themselves. After all, they are telling us exactly what they need to thrive.
For more updates and our ongoing work, stay tuned to the Valuing Children Initiative.
