The experts went on to highlight the long-term effects on health and wellbeing that a lack of play can have, including obesity, poor social skills, and less resilience to cope with life's pressures. The predictions were supported by research among parents. Seventy-four per cent of those questioned thought a lack of play could have serious effects on a child's future. Furthermore, 64 per cent of parents believed that a lack of play could have a negative effect on their children's communication skills.
In response, BTHA and Play England have launched the Make Time to Play campaign to raise awareness of the importance of play in children's lives and to highlight that there are simple ways to help children get the regular play they need.
Through a dedicated Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/maketimetoplay parents can offer help and share ideas for positive play; they can win their child's ideal play date and get ideas for great things to do as a family.
