‘Technology gets in the way’ of play for today’s children

TWO-THIRDS (66%) of adults in Wales believe children today have fewer of the same play experiences than they had when they were young.

In the survery carried out by Playful Childhoods, the most common reason for concern by adults is that technology is impacting childhood, with 59% of adults saying “technology gets in the way” of play. Some of the most missed games from the past include hide and seek and hopscotch.

To launch its summer Project Play campaign, Playful Childhoods took to the streets of Wrexham for a game of double dutch and Barry Island revellers reminisced by hopscotching their way to the beach.

The project aims to get families in Wales away from their screens and enjoying the outdoors. The survey also explored the benefits of having more free and spontaneous play.

The majority of respondents reported how playing as a child kept them active and healthy, which has resulted in them staying more active as an adult. Others said it helped them develop a good imagination.

Mike Greenaway, director of Play Wales, which runs Playful Childhoods and Project Play, said: “We wanted to hear from adults and parents about their childhood experiences of play and how they helped to form the adults they have become. Our research confirmed that the rise in the use of technology – amongst other things – has had a negative impact on outdoor play opportunities for children today. Parents are concerned about this.”

Angharad Wyn Jones, a play officer for Play Wales, said: “We want to get children away from screens and bring back some old-fashioned playground games like hopscotch, skipping and hide and seek. Our Playful Childhoods website is full of resources and information to support parents and carers.

“There are lots of cheap and free playful things we can all do in our communities.”