Play experts in England are advocating for a nationwide ban on “no ball games” signs as part of a broader initiative to revive outdoor play among children, a crucial element in counteracting the alarming rise in screen time. According to a report from the Raising the Nation Play Commission, outdoor play has dramatically declined by 50% over the past generation, attributed to factors such as increasing traffic, concerns about crime, and a general environment where public spaces are perceived to be unwelcoming to young people. The report urges a cultural shift away from what it terms the “anti-play culture” that has quietly taken root across communities.

The proposed measures include instituting a national Play Strategy for England, which would not only ban these restrictive signs but also update planning policies to ensure that children’s voices are heard in the development of new public spaces. Further recommendations involve safeguarding playtime during school breaks, which has notably been shortened from an average of 23 minutes longer in the past, to now. Headteachers are encouraged to provide ample playtime, as evidenced by the successful policy at St Ambrose Catholic Academy in Liverpool, which guarantees an hour of quality play every day.

In London alone, over 7,000 signs limiting children’s playtime currently exist, creating barriers for more than half a million youths. The situation has spurred a campaign led by the charity London Sport, in collaboration with Saatchi & Saatchi, to remove these signs from public spaces and replace them with facilities that encourage active engagement, such as basketball hoops. By taking down these signs, advocates aim to not only promote physical activity but also reframe public perceptions around children’s play.

The inquiry led by Paul Lindley and Baroness Anne Longfield also highlights that one-third of children under nine lack convenient access to safe play areas, raising urgent questions about their social skills and overall health. The reduction in outdoor play access has ominous implications for children’s well-being, exacerbated by societal shifts towards heightened parental caution and a reliance on digital entertainment.

As schools face increasing pressure to adapt to these Changing dynamics, the government has stated it is developing frameworks to enhance children’s access to outdoor activities, including initiatives like the £15 million National Education Nature Park. Critics of the current system argue that the earlier 2008 play strategy, which allocated £235 million for playground improvements, was prematurely scrapped, leading to significantly diminished play opportunities.

Local community organisations, such as Blackpool Better Start, are actively working to transform underused parks to ensure safe, accessible spaces for children’s play, reflecting the necessity for families to have ownership over their community spaces. “It is so important for families to have safe spaces to play,” said Clare Law, the project director, who has seen the tangible benefits of revitalised local parks on family engagement and child development.

However, while the removal of “no ball games” signs is a positive step towards creating playful communities, experts warn that it must be part of a larger, multi-faceted approach to address the wider issues contributing to childhood obesity and mental health concerns. Overall, a concerted effort from both local authorities and the national government is essential to facilitate an environment where children can thrive through play.

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Source: Noah Wire Services