A disturbing COVID-19 pandemic editorial from the UK suggests that children are experiencing additional harm due to social isolation. We need to be proactive to address this and play can help!

Our latest research review, undertaken by Latrobe University and the Centre for Sport and Social Impact, confirms 'Play is linked to improved mental health and wellbeing and to better physical health, resulting in happier, more confident children who are better at dealing with stress.' 

“This research indicates that risky play can lead to increased physical activity, improved motor/ physical competence, higher ability to assess risks and handle risk situations in an appropriate way with positive psychological outcomes and general health.”

The opportunities for children to play unsupervised are known to be decreasing, along with more sedentary activities indoors than physical activities outdoors.  This can only lead to decreased positive health outcomes for children.  Let the children PLAY. 

_{(Ref: Early Childhood Education Journal, photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash)} 

Helen Connolly is the Commissioner for Children and Young People in South Australia and recently launched this report. 

It is a timely reminder that there are significant challenges ahead for young people as we start to unravel the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report offers personal reflections from the youth that are affected.

"The next 12 months present some serious challenges and opportunities that as a community we have not experienced before." 

Whittlesea City Council has taken out two major Landscape Architecture awards for its Quarry Hills Regional Parkland Landscape Master Plan and Norris Bank Reserve Playspace.

The Norris Bank Reserve Playspace in Bundoora, gently balances community need as the primary objective whilst also being critically sensitive to the surrounding landscape. 

Kylie Brannelly is the Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Children’s Activities Network (QCAN) and has been involved in the Education and Care Services sector in various support, advocacy and leadership roles for more than 20 years.

As a National representative for Outside School Hours Care, Kylie participated in the steering committee overseeing the development of the Learning Framework for School Age Care, My Time, Our Place. 

Kylie says, "Play is laughing, exploring, thinking, falling and getting back up again. In a world of rules, play gives children and adults the freedom to be themselves."

Become part of the movement to protect the rights of every child in Australia to play!  

Play Australia is the national peak body for play in Australia.

When you become a Play Australia member we link you into a network of play advocates, practitioners, policy makers, teachers and entrepreneurs, working in the play sector across Australia and around the world.