Are there enough places for you to play outdoors?
Experts are calling on the government to increase the opportunities for children to play outside in England. Outdoor play in England has declined by 50% according to Raising the Nation Play Commission.They say it's because of playground closures, busier roads, shortened school break times and the use of smartphones. The commission was a year-long independent inquiry which looked into the wellbeing of children in England. The government says it is working with experts to improve access to activities outside of school.Do you think there are enough places to play outside? What would you like to see more of to get children playing outside? Let us know in the comments below.
What is the report calling for?
The report is asking the government to improve access to activities outside of school. Their recommendations to the government include: A national ban on "no ball games" signs Updating planning policy so developers have to get views from kids on any new developments like new parksProtecting play at break time and lunch time at school and banning teachers being able to take play time away as a punishmentOpening up school playgrounds to the whole community outside of school hoursRaise the digital age of consent to 16 and ban phones in schools
According to the report, there are more than 7,000 signs in London stopping more than half a million children from playing freely. It's already a legal requirement for local authorities to make sure there are enough opportunities for children to play in Scotland and Wales.And the Northern Ireland Executive has also put a focus on play in their Children's and Young People's Strategy 2020-2023. This explored children's opportunities to play in Northern Ireland.Currently, children in England don't have the legal right to play.Chair of the commission, Paul Lindley, says in England "we've made it incredibly hard for children to play"."We need to give our children back the time, space, opportunity, freedom - and the right - to play again."
What has the government said?
A government spokesperson said its Plan for Change was "setting young people up to achieve and thrive – both inside and outside the classroom", and that it is investing in grassroots sports facilities and in a programme to help turn "grey school spaces green".They added: "We recognise the vital importance of play and access to nature as part of children's development and wellbeing as we strive to create the healthiest and happiest generation of children ever."Schools already have the power to completely ban phones in the classroom and the overwhelming majority - 99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools - limit or restrict use."And from July, new rules under the Online Safety Act will require social media platforms to protect children in the UK from seeing harmful content online."
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