Play experts want to ban "no ball games" signs and protect playtime during school breaks, to reduce the time children spend on screens. They are being forced "indoors on to digital devices", according to the Raising the Nation Play Commission, whose year-long inquiry calls for an end to "anti-play culture". It warns outdoor play in England has declined by 50% in a generation because of streets dominated by traffic, fear about crime and "public spaces where young people are not welcome". The government says it is working with experts to develop a framework to improve access to activities outside of school. The report is calling for a national Play Strategy for England and has made a number of recommendations including: Chair of the commission, Paul Lindley, says in England "we've made it incredibly hard for children to play". "Creating truly playful communities is not just about better street design, traffic management, and reduced crime, but also about a reversal of the growing culture of intolerance towards children playing." In London, there are more than 7,000 signs limiting play for more than half a million children, according to the report. Some councilsare beginning to remove signsamid concerns thatchildren are exercising less. For Samantha and her four-year-old son Chester, who live in Blackpool, having a playground far away from traffic is vital. "It's free," she says and it's somewhere her son can play without having to worry "about someone coming to tell him he can't". "A lot of children are growing up and don't have the opportunity to be able to go to other places or travel, so having somewhere close to home, that is free, is so important." More than 400 playgrounds closed in England from 2012 to 2022 and annual park budgets have fallen, the report found. Blackpool Better Start, which helps families with young children like Chester, has been working to transform the city's less used parks and green spaces over the last ten years. "It is so important for families to have safe spaces to play. Families identify with the park. They feel a sense of ownership and they feel like it belongs to them," director Clare Law explains. And there are calls for changes in schools too. In 1995, break times in schools were around 23 minutes longer for young children than they are now, the report found. The commission wants to see playtime during breaks and lunchtime ringfenced. Students at St Ambrose Catholic Academy in Liverpool are guaranteed an hour's quality play every day. Headteacher Tracy Moorcroft says it is a massive part of the school day. "If they are building, we see them as future architects, if they're in the kitchen, could they be the next future chef? We try to link their play with aspirations for later in life." But Ms Moorcroft is less convinced about the idea of having "always-active uniforms" which have already been introducedin some schools. She says the school has "very high standards" for the uniform, as the children are being prepared for life beyond the school. They get to wear their PE kit some days and wear wellies and coats so they can go outside regardless of the weather. General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, Pepe Di'Iasio agrees that playtime has been squeezed "by the drive to improve academic outcomes", but cautioned against an "overly prescriptive approach to play" as this may impact on other areas of the curriculum. BothWalesandScotlandhave already made it a legal requirement for local authorities to ensure enough opportunities for children to play. The commission in England is calling for a national play strategy with an annual budget of £125m, led by a minister with a responsibility for play. Baroness Anne Longfield from the Centre for Young Lives think tank, who worked on the report, said it should provide a "blueprint for how we can get children playing again and also tackle the scourge of addictive doom-scrolling". 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". "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," the spokesperson added. Additional reporting by Hayley Clarke and Rahib Khan
Ban on 'no ball games' signs suggested to get kids off screens
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Experts Advocate for Removal of 'No Ball Games' Signs to Promote Outdoor Play"
Bbc News
7.8
TruthLens AI Summary
Play experts are advocating for the removal of 'no ball games' signs to encourage outdoor play among children and reduce their screen time. The Raising the Nation Play Commission, after a year-long inquiry, has highlighted a concerning trend in England where outdoor play has decreased by 50% over the past generation. Factors contributing to this decline include traffic congestion, fears about crime, and a lack of welcoming public spaces for youth. Paul Lindley, chair of the commission, emphasized that creating engaging communities for play involves more than just improved urban design and safety measures; it also requires a cultural shift to embrace children's play as a positive aspect of community life. In urban areas like London, over 7,000 signs restrict children's play, affecting more than half a million kids, prompting some local councils to begin removing these signs to promote healthier lifestyles for children.
The report also reveals that from 2012 to 2022, more than 400 playgrounds in England were closed, and park budgets have seen significant cuts. Community efforts, such as those by Blackpool Better Start, aim to revitalize underutilized parks to create safe play areas for families. The report calls for changes in school policies as well, noting that playtime has been reduced significantly in recent years. Some schools, like St Ambrose Catholic Academy in Liverpool, are already prioritizing play in their daily schedules, linking it to future aspirations for students. However, there are concerns about overly structured play initiatives potentially infringing on educational priorities. The commission advocates for a national play strategy with a dedicated budget and ministerial oversight, similar to initiatives in Wales and Scotland, to ensure children have ample opportunities for unstructured play. A government spokesperson stated that they are committed to supporting young people's development both academically and socially, indicating that new regulations will also aim to protect children online.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights a growing concern among play experts regarding children's outdoor play and the increasing prevalence of "no ball games" signs. The central idea revolves around the need to encourage children to engage in physical activities rather than spending excessive time on digital devices. This reflects a broader societal issue regarding the decline in outdoor play opportunities for children in England.
Public Sentiment and Concerns
The report from the Raising the Nation Play Commission suggests that the culture surrounding children's play has become increasingly restrictive, with fears of crime, traffic, and a lack of welcoming public spaces contributing to this trend. The narrative aims to raise awareness about these issues and advocate for a change in policy, encouraging local councils to remove these signs and create more accessible play areas. This could resonate well with parents and community advocates who are concerned about the health and well-being of children.
Potential Concealments
While the article primarily focuses on the urgent need for more play spaces, it may downplay the complexities of urban planning and community safety. By concentrating on the removal of "no ball games" signs, there could be an implicit suggestion that this alone will solve the problem of children's outdoor play, which might not consider other significant barriers such as socioeconomic factors or resource allocation.
Manipulative Elements
The framing of the issue could be seen as manipulative if it oversimplifies the challenges or fails to acknowledge opposing viewpoints. For instance, while the concerns regarding outdoor play are valid, the article may not fully address the reasons some areas have implemented such restrictions, such as safety or noise complaints from local residents.
Trustworthiness of the Information
The article appears to be based on legitimate research from the Raising the Nation Play Commission, which adds credibility. However, the presentation may lead to an overly simplistic understanding of a multifaceted issue. While it raises important points, readers should consider the broader context and the potential implications of the proposed changes.
Societal Impact
This report could lead to increased public pressure on local governments to enhance play facilities and remove restrictive signage, potentially resulting in a shift in urban planning priorities. If successful, it may foster healthier communities and improve physical activity levels among children.
Support Base
The article likely appeals to parents, educators, and child development advocates who are invested in promoting healthier lifestyles for children. These groups may rally around the initiative to create more play-friendly environments.
Economic and Market Relevance
While the piece doesn't directly relate to stock markets or economic indicators, it could indirectly influence sectors related to urban development, recreational services, and children's products. Companies involved in creating playgrounds or outdoor gear may find opportunities for growth if public sentiment shifts positively towards outdoor play.
Global Context
The issues raised in this article reflect broader global trends regarding children's health, urbanization, and digital engagement. The conversation about outdoor play is relevant in many countries dealing with similar challenges in balancing urban development with child-friendly spaces.
AI Involvement
It is plausible that AI tools were utilized in crafting the article for data analysis or even in generating certain sections. However, the emotional appeal and advocacy tone suggest a human touch in the writing, emphasizing the importance of community and children's play.
In conclusion, the article serves to highlight critical issues around children's outdoor play in England while advocating for change. The arguments presented are grounded in research, yet readers should remain aware of the complexities and potential oversimplifications involved in the discussion.