Children miss out on local places to play
Children are missing out on outdoor play at home because of heavy road traffic and a lack of suitable space, new research has revealed.
A survey commissioned by Play England, published last Wednesday (1 August) to coincide with Playday, the annual celebration of children's right to play, organised by Play England, found that while 71 per cent of adults had played outside in the street or close to their homes every day when they were young, only 12 per cent of children today do the same.
The survey found that traffic was the main factor stopping children spending time outside, followed by a shortage of available play spaces.
The theme of Playday 2007 was 'Our Streets Too', aiming to highlight children's right to play in their local streets. Events taking place around the country included traditional street games, pavement art, skateboarding and cycling.
In a speech to mark Playday, Ed Balls, secretary for Children, Schools and Families, welcomed the event and said, 'Play is vital and should be a key part of every child's life. I recently launched the Staying Safe consultation to find out people's views on how we can allow children to enjoy the great opportunities which are now on offer for them. I hope that by discussing these issues we can together ensure that every child can make the most of these opportunities, have fun and develop their potential to the full.'
