Choose play everyday

Every child has the right to play

Play is so important for a child’s development. It isn’t just fun – it’s essential for every child’s well-being and creates powerful learning opportunities to help prepare them for a bright future. 

But in many places in the world, play is being squeezed out of childhood.

Barriers to play 

Research indicates a significant number of children are deprived of play at home. Globally, around 1 in 5 children aged 2-4 years do not play with their caregivers at home, while 6 in 10 children under 5 years regularly endure violent discipline at home.

Play is still often overlooked and undervalued. This still happens even as research shows that play that is child-centred learning inspires children’s motivation to learn.

In many places around the world, children’s right to play is being violated – and it’s happening right in our own homes, schools and communities.

The Power of Play

All children, including in humanitarian settings, have the right to play, which is essential for their development and well-being. Through play, children learn cognitive skills such as concentration, memory, language and fine motor skills, as well as social and emotional skills.

Learning through play can improve academic learning outcomes, including literacy and numeracy.

In regions affected by conflict and climate change, play can help children recover from trauma and regain a sense of normalcy and spend time with friends.

Watch this video for the many benefits of play.

On International Day of Play this 11 June, we’re championing a world where every child’s right to play is respected, protected and fulfilled. We are calling on governments and others to prioritize the following:

• Playful parenting - Universal access to evidence-based parenting programs from childhood to early adolescence.
• Learning through play - Universal access to early childhood education.
• Space to play - Safe and environmentally healthy play spaces for every child and early adolescent.

Join us in championing every child’s right to play. Every day. Everywhere.