Lack of play makes credit crunch kids naughty and unhappy

Tuesday 4 August 2009

Parents and children are facing school holiday woe this summer, as one in three say they can no longer afford to take their children out to play. Parents are concerned a lack of play makes children unhappy (86%) and naughty (72%).

An ICM survey, released this week by Play England for Playday 2009, questioned more than 1,000 adults and children and confirmed that children feel unhappy (52%), bored (77%) and miss their friends (68%) if they don't have enough time to play. The report also found that children's behaviour suffers through lack of play, with 72% of parents reporting that their children are naughty and become angry (62%) when they don't get enough time to play.

Adrian Voce, Director of Play England, said:

'Children, as well as their parents, are telling us that they are happiest and most cooperative when they get enough time to play.  And although they understand that this doesn't have to mean costly trips or toys, the recession is definitely having an impact on their choices. This makes free local play areas more important than ever. That is why we are calling on all parties and local authorities to ensure the current investment and the other measures to create more child-friendly public space - is sustained. Everyone should support the government's commitment to make this the best place in the world to grow up: starting with time and space to play for every child.'

Play England is inviting all parents and children to check out one of the 800 free events taking place across the country on Wednesday 5 August 2009 to celebrate this year's Playday.

When asked what would help children to have more time to play, 73% of adults surveyed said they would like more places to play where children can go independently, and 61% would like flexible working arrangements for parents.