Category Archives: News

Press Releases

Children Need To Hop, Skip And Jump Back Into The Real World

Children Need To Hop, Skip And Jump Back Into The Real World

Make Time 2 Play

 

1/3 of children value entertainment technology over traditional play

Only 2 in 10 parents understand the benefits of traditional play to their child’s development

20% of parents believe too much outdoor play could have a negative impact on their child

 

New research revealed today for the Make Time 2 Play (MT2P) campaign, worryingly reveals children are spending too much time playing in the virtual world and not enough in reality.

The results tested parents’ perceptions of play, alongside a report commissioned by MT2P and written by child health education specialist, Dr Aric Sigman. The report entitled ‘Play – it’s in their DNA’ highlights the vital importance of real world play for the development of children and calls for play to be recognised as more than just fun entertainment.

In a survey of 2,000 UK parents, a whopping 1/3 say their children’s idea of play is using recreational technology over traditional play. Of those asked, 7 in 10 parents admit to giving their child a screen entertainment based activity, with 20% even believing too much traditional or outdoor play could impact negatively on behaviour or grades. Perhaps uncovering why Britain’s love is shifting from handlebars to handsets. But, it was the reasons behind these perceptions that really stood out.

The survey also revealed 56% of parents use entertainment screen-based play to cure boredom, but an astounding 77% say the reason they rely on high amounts of recreational screen time comes down to their belief in the educational and learning benefits.

In contrast, Dr Sigman’s report shows traditional forms of play, both indoors and outdoors, have enormous hidden benefits; including improved behaviour, increased abilities to concentrate and even better school grades.

 “It is clear that small screens have been accompanied by a drop in traditional play. The survey of parents shows perceptions of playtime are shifting to include entertainment screen time to the detriment of real world play.”

When it comes to traditional playtime such as games, puzzles and outdoor activities, parents struggle to see the benefits other than fun and entertainment, with a mere 2 in 10 feeling such activities have academic value or the ability to build their child’s self esteem. This is in comparison to a huge 66% who assume entertainment screenplay gives children both enjoyment and educational benefits.

From Dr Sigman’s comprehensive report, it is clear that the virtual world is not a substitute for the real world and there needs to be a balance between the two for children, to enrich their overall learning and development.

“Children need hands on play experiences in the real world not just the virtual world. Something as simple as blocks and puzzles help with spatial awareness, maths, problem-solving performance and science.”

“Play may have a role as an aid to combatting child obesity, behaviour in the classroom and academic performance. Playing in nature may even make children into nicer, more thoughtful individuals. Children need to learn to experience the real world before they start to manipulate experiences in the virtual one.

 “Children have been compelled throughout evolution to learn the skills they need for adult life through childish play. Play remains highly undervalued – the poor cousin or fun alternative to ‘learning’. Play may be fun but it is also now formally considered a medical and developmental requirement for all children.”

As well as highlighting parents’ modern perceptions of play, the research also uncovered its obstacles, with 43% of parents blaming their busy schedules for children spending too much time in a virtual world. Ironically, children gain huge benefits from playing on their own – so only need to be given the time to play.

Dr Sigman’s report recommends that parents limit entertainment screen time and balance the activities through the week to give children the opportunity to experience real world play, particularly as children go back to school and extra curricular activities and time pressures increase in term time.

This year’s MT2P campaign supported by mum of two, Michelle Heaton, said;

“The benefits of traditional play are so much more than perceived in the modern world and MT2P’s research demonstrates that play should be valued in the same way as nutrition – too much of the same thing can be bad for children. The key is in finding a healthy, balanced
play diet”.

Notes to editors

For further information or to schedule an interview contact the team on 0161 669 4708 or email maketime2play@mancfrank.com

Notes To Editors:

The Make Time 2 Play campaign is run by the British Toy & Hobby Association.

Play Principles launched at Toy Fair 2015

Play Principles launched at Toy Fair call for political focus on the importance of play for child development

 

Today at the London Toy Fair the Make Time 2 Play campaign launched five play principles to ask politicians, in the lead up to the elections, to consider the importance of play for the healthy development of children.

Make Time 2 PlayThe Make Time 2 Play Principles express the value of play across the policy landscape:

  1. Every child needs space and time to play
  2. Active play can help children keep healthy
  3. Play-based learning adds educational opportunities at all ages
  4. Safe places to play are good for families and good for communities
  5. Children develop important life skills through play

 

Natasha Crookes, Director of Communication for the British Toy & Hobby Association, that runs the campaign, commented, “You can see the fun and enjoyment that children get from play and that should be the key driver for encouraging playtime. However behind all that fun children are developing the skills they will need for life. We are asking today that the political parties affirm the importance of play in the social fabric of family lives and the role that it has in getting children fit, aiding in education and making sure that there is time and place for play in our busy modern lives”.

Play is widely accepted to have huge value in developing children’s social skills, fitness levels, communication skills, creativity and imagination as well as teaching children about boundaries and risk.

The ‘Make Time 2 Play’ campaign highlights the importance of play in children’s lives, giving parents free play ideas that can be easily slotted in to busy schedules. The messages are promoted using primary research from academics and parents, free adverts donated by children’s broadcasters, and through a website, social media and free ‘play ideas’ app. For more information visit the new website – www.maketime2play.co.uk

The play principles were launched today at the London Toy Fair which takes place from 20-22 January 2015. To register for a media pass visit www.toyfair.co.uk

Notes to editors

For more information contact…

Until 19th January
Jess Cowan – Jess.Cowan@mhpc.com, 020 3128 8170 at MHP Communications

20th – 22nd January
Onsite Press Office – 020 7598 6518

Beat children’s body image issues through play, says new report

Active play gives less sporty children the confidence to beat anxieties, claims Make Time 2 Play ambassador Dr Linda Papadopoulos

Make Time 2 PlayWith children as young as five expressing concerns about the way they look, parents, schools and policy makers must work together to improve children’s body image issues, says counselling psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos in a new report written by the Make Time 2 Play campaign (www.maketime2play.co.uk). A year on from the Olympics the sporting legacy promised will no doubt be examined across the country. However with body confidence issues on the increase Dr Linda Papadopoulos examines how play can be just as important as sport in getting children to participate in physical activity.

The report, entitled Physical Activity and Body Image in Children, says that children who have body confidence concerns are more likely to be anxious about taking part in formal sports. However, parents who engage their children in regular physical activity, such as active play, from an early age, help them to develop increased self-esteem and emotional resilience. Both of these are important factors in developing a better body image and making children better able to cope with external messages about body image as they grow up.

An integral part of the Make Time 2 Play campaign is its belief that play is vitally important not just to children’s physical development but to their emotional well-being as well. In taking pride in what their bodies can achieve, children see their bodies as functional rather than aesthetic, allaying anxieties about the way their bodies look.

Children who are resistant to organised sporting activities should not forgo exercise, says Dr Papadopoulos. Active play provides the same benefits of sports in a less structured, more enjoyable setting, giving less sporty children a chance to participate.

The report examines the rise in negative body image among children, citing recent studies that found one in four 7 year old girls have tried to lose weight at least once and that one third of young boys aged 8-12 are dieting to lose weight. Dr Papadopoulos suggests ways in which children’s body image issues can be resolved through active play, with some tips for introducing active play at an early age, to help prevent body image issues from arising: “It’s important to model appropriate behaviour. If your children see you being active, and having fun, then they are more likely to develop a positive outlook on physical activity.”

“For those that shy away from sport there are lots of other activities that can get children active without engaging in traditional team sports. Building a den, going on a nature trail or treasure hunt, play tag or ‘it’,” Dr Papadopoulos continues. “These can be great starter activities to get children active before leading on to more gentle sports style activity like rounders or playing with a ball. The key thing is to keep it fun.”

Dr Papadopoulos has written extensively on how to transform negative body image into positive self-esteem. For a copy of the report, Physical Activity and Body Image in Children, visit www.maketime2play.co.uk.

To help parents to understand the benefits of play and to provide ideas to engage children in play, visit the Make Time 2 Play campaign Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/maketime2play and download the free Make Time 2 Play app with hundreds of play ideas.

63% OF PARENTS BELIEVE IT IS MORE DANGEROUS TO PLAY OUTSIDE NOW THAN WHEN THEY WERE CHILDREN

63% OF PARENTS BELIEVE IT IS MORE DANGEROUS TO PLAY OUTSIDE NOW THAN WHEN THEY WERE CHILDREN

Make Time 2 PlayParents should try and step out of their comfort zone to strike the right balance between safety and encouraging children to play outdoors, says Make Time 2 Play Ambassador Dr Linda Papadopoulos

Wednesday 12 June: Nearly two thirds of parents (62.7%) feel there are greater dangers for children playing outside now than when they were children, according to a study of 2,000 parents surveyed by OnePoll.com1 on behalf of the Make Time 2 Play campaign.

Increase in traffic was cited as the primary issue causing parents concern, closely followed by the danger posed by strangers. Parents in the East Midlands are the most laid back, those in Northern Ireland the most protective and mums worry more than dads.

The top five concerns2 for parents were:

1. Increase in traffic 56.85%
2. Stranger danger 55.15%
3. Inability to monitor children’s activities 38.95%
4. Getting involved in or being confronted by gangs 38.65%
5. Outdoor play prevents children from studying 18.65%

 

These factors contribute to children playing outside less often than their parents did: only 14.85% of all parents in the study say their children play outside more than they did. One third (33.65%) thinks the amount is roughly the same.

The belief that today’s children enjoy less outdoor play increases with older parents. Over a third (33.68%) of parents aged 18-24 said their children play outside more than they did compared to less than one in 10 (8.33%) of parents aged 55 and over.

With the longer daylight hours and summer holidays on the horizon, however, this is the time of year when there are greater opportunities for children to get outside and play and, according to Dr Linda Papadopoulos, Ambassador to Make Time 2 Play, outdoor play is one essential ingredient in a varied play ‘diet’ for children.

“Just as we talk of the importance of having your five fruit or vegetables a day for a healthy diet, so children need a varied play diet,” commented Dr Papadopoulos.

“A varied play diet encompasses structured, unstructured, supervised and unsupervised playtime. Outdoor play is a vital component of that, helping children to build friendships, solve problems and explore the world around them.”

The study demonstrated that parents are, on the whole, aware that their children need time outdoors, with 38.5% concerned that their children do not play outside enough. The majority of those surveyed showed concern that lack of outdoor play may mean that children do not learn about risk awareness (55.4%) and could hinder their development of social and communication skills (54.45%). Over a third of parents (38.5%) are concerned their children don’t spend enough time playing outside yet, on average, children are playing outside three days a week at this time of year.

Different regions of the UK responded differently. In Northern Ireland, parents tended to be more concerned with risk factors and take proactive steps to minimise them. East Midlands parents took a more laissez-faire approach. For example, teaching children road safety is considered most important in Northern Ireland (94.44% important or very important) and least important in the East Midlands (74.29% important or very important). And mums think this is more important more than dads (84.77% of mums across the country think the Green Cross Code important, as against 72.16% of dads – and this difference between the sexes was reflected in other parts of the survey.)

Despite the fears named above, what actually keeps children indoors in practice is – for 48.5% of all parents – our British weather. Just remember when it comes to play there is no such thing as the wrong weather – just the wrong clothes!

Dr Papadopoulos agrees it is difficult to find a balance between keeping children safe and giving them the freedom they need for healthy independent play, but that it’s important for parents to try to accept and to confront their fears and, at times, risk leaving their comfort zones.
“Parents do lots of great things with their children,” said Dr Papadopoulos, “but it’s also vitally important for their development that they are allowed to run around with their friends outside on a regular basis.”

Under Doctor’s Orders

 

UNDER DOCTOR’S ORDERS

Make Time 2 PlayThe Make Time 2 Play campaign has appointed Dr Linda Papadopoulos as Ambassador to help spearhead its work throughout the year. Dr Papadopoulos is a respected and popular counselling psychologist known for her work on children’s issues and the effects of media and societal change on children’s social and emotional development.

The Make Time 2 Play campaign is a long-standing initiative run by the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA) to encourage parents to ring-fence time within children’s busy lives for play time and to understand the vital role play has in developing healthy childhoods.

“As a parent as well as a psychologist, I recognise the time pressures that are on both parents and children. Sometimes, in our attempt to create fulfilled and rewarding childhoods for our children, we can overlook that basic ingredient for a happy child: play,” commented Dr Papadopoulos.

“Children need space and time to work through the life skills they are developing every day, and play enables this. But also, like all of us, children sometimes just need a break, so I’m completely supportive of the Make Time 2 Play campaign and what it stands for and I look forward to exploring different themes over the coming year, ” she continued.

Natasha Crookes from the BTHA commented: “We are delighted to have Dr Papadopoulos join us on our campaign. Although the basic argument is a simple one, there are a number of more complex issues that arise when discussing play and we’re confident that we have an ambassador that can help us discuss those issues in depth but with the clarity of vision that she brings to all of the issues that she tackles.”

 

Further details on Make Time 2 Play and its objectives can be found at http://www.maketime2play.co.uk and on the campaign’s Facebook page. You can also download the app, which is free of charge, and holds hundreds of play ideas for children of all ages.

BEAT THE HALF-TERM BLUES

 

BEAT THE HALF-TERM BLUES

Make Time 2 PlayMake Time To Play app has hundreds of ideas to keep children occupied over the holiday.

Stuck for new ideas to keep the children busy over the February half-term holiday? The Make Time To Play campaign offers some great free and low-cost play ideas to engage children both indoors and outside. Make Time To Play promotes the value of play as an essential part of a child’s healthy development, through its website at http://www.maketime2play.co.uk and its free-of-charge mobile app which has a different play idea for every single day of the year, suitable for children of all ages.

With the weather so unpredictable it can be difficult to fill the days with a varied diet of play, whether you have just half an hour to spare or the whole day is stretching out before you.

Here are some tips from Make Time To Play for keeping children occupied over February half-term:

If you have some leftover wallpaper lining paper from your last bout of redecorating, unroll a long sheet and tape to the floor – preferably a hard floor rather than carpet. Then get out all the crayons and felt-tips and let the children loose creating a collaborative artwork or their own individual areas of the sheet. You can set a theme if they need inspiration. Results can be displayed as a mural.

A full-blown treasure hunt requires a bit of forward-planning with clues, but you can make it less labour-intensive for the adults by making it more like a paper chase.

Hide a few objects – 10-12 is probably about right – in your garden, or in the local park, or if the weather is awful and you’re not houseproud, at home. (Don’t hide anything valuable.) Give the players a list of the objects hidden and set them off looking for them. Whoever finds the most wins a prize or perhaps just hot drinks all round at the end.

If you’re prepared to supervise, you can make your own volcano – and give the children an impromptu chemistry lesson at the same time. The most basic recipe for a home-made volcano is to put some baking soda (not baking powder) into a container with a narrow neck. Then add vinegar and watch the reaction of this with the baking soda.

Once you’ve seen how it works, you can get the children to create their own volcanic mountain using dough, modelling clay or cardboard for even more realistic eruptions.

The volcano may not be edible, but simple recipes can be put together under adult supervision. Snowy Crispies, take the standard Choc Crispies idea (melted plain or milk chocolate mixed with crispie cereal) but add a twist by using white chocolate instead of dark. Dust with icing sugar for an extra snowy look, and for even more pizzazz, sprinkle with edible glitter.

 

Make Time To Play has many more inspirational ideas for engaging children, and not just over half-term holidays. Suggestions on the website and the Make Time To Play app cover all weather conditions, for both indoor and outdoor settings. The app, for both iOS and Android, is ideal for those times when parents need a fresh response to ‘But what can I do now?’ or “I’m bored mum!”

“A whole week of half-term can be challenging to fill without spending money on expensive outings,” says Natasha Crookes, director of communications for the British Toy and Hobby Association, the people behind the campaign. “The Make Time To Play app gives parents a valuable source of ideas to help them try out some different activities, whether they have just five minutes, or five hours, to fill.”

Not only does play keep children occupied but it also helps them to learn about the world around them, test boundaries and develop the physical and mental skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

For these and other ideas for playing over February half-term, download the app, or visit Make Time 2 Play’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/maketime2play, and join in the discussion. Further details on the campaign and its objectives can be found at http://www.maketime2play.co.uk.

GETTING KIDS ACTIVE: IT’S JUST CHILD’S PLAY

Play sessions get kids more active than at any other time of the school day according to new report

Make Time 2 PlayNew research has revealed that playing is the best route to physical activity for primary school children. The study, undertaken by the British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) and the Institute of Youth Sport at Loughborough University, suggests that children are more active when given time to play than at any other time in their school day, making play the most effective way for primary school children to reach the minimum government guidelines.

The ‘Active Play Report’ measured primary school children’s activity levels first hand and found that physical activity during play is higher than at break‐times, lunch‐breaks and some school PE lessons. In fact, children were moderately or vigorously active for almost twice as long when given toys and cardboard boxes to play with than in the school PE lessons that were monitored.The findings were released alongside a BTHA survey, examining the views of 2,000 parents on the activity levels of their children – more than a quarter of which admit their children get just 30 minutes or less of physical activity a day. Parents acknowledge this may not be enough however; with over a third agreeing with government guidelines that children should have an hour or more of physical activity a day.

Natasha Crookes, from the British Toy & Hobby Association said, “Most parents understand that play is important for their children’s emotional development, but what this research highlights is the time spent with props, either toys or even, in this study, cardboard boxes, is an easier and more enjoyable way for children to be physically active and meet the minimum guidelines of activity.”

The ‘Active Play Report’ findings also revealed that children are physically active for two thirds of time spent in play sessions compared to just over a third (38%) in sports lessons. They were more active whilst playing than at any other time.

The university research studied children in play sessions, with a variety of toys including space hoppers, hula hoops and dance mats or with cardboard boxes in both indoor and outdoor scenarios and during school activities such as break‐times and PE Lessons. They were observed in 30 minute play sessions across four days using accelerometers and heart rate monitors to measure their activity levels.

The results demonstrated that boys are slightly more actively engaged in play than girls – playing actively for 20 minutes in a session, versus 17 minutes for girls. Typically girls are less likely to be active than boys with studies showing that as little as 34%i of girls aged 4‐10 have an hour of vigorous physical activity per day compared to 51% of boys of the same age. This latest study highlights the substantial contribution that active play can have at getting girls to reach daily activity levels.

The study also revealed that when provided with outdoor space, both boys and girls spent more time engaged in physical activity in comparison to being indoors. However, the results also showed that children engaged in more activity of a moderate‐vigorous intensity indoors with toys, in comparison to when they took part in a PE lesson, highlighting that parents who are unable to provide an outdoor space can still encourage their children to engage in energetic active play indoors.

Natasha Crookes added, “Whilst we see the importance school activities and PE lessons have, it is interesting to note that parents should not rely on these sessions alone for children to get a daily amount of physical activity – play is not only fun and sociable but an ideal way for children to be active.”

Knowing how to encourage their children to play is a parenting skill that 1 in 5 dads and nearly 1 in 6 mums would like to improve on.ii In response to the research, the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA) are promoting their ‘Make Time to Play’ campaign, with celebrity mum Kym Marsh, to encourage parents to get their children engaged in ‘active play for an hour a day’ to ensure they reach the governments minimum requirement on physical activity.

Through a dedicated Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/maketime2play and FREE downloadable app called Make Time to Play parents can receive and share ideas on how to get their children to have an hour of active play a day.

i Results taken from 2008 health survey for England

ii Results from a survey conducted by One Poll from 19th to 25th April 2011 among 2,000 parents.

IT’S MORE VALUABLE THAN JUST CHILD’S PLAY

 

IT’S MORE VALUABLE THAN JUST CHILD’S PLAY

Make Time 2 PlayPlay sessions get kids more active than at any other time of the school day according to new report Children are more active when given time to play than at any other time in school, including break- times, lunch-times and some school PE lessons, new research by the British Toy & Hobby Association and the Institute of Youth Sport at Loughborough University has found.

In the study of primary school aged children, they were found to be moderately or vigorously active for almost twice as long when given toys and cardboard boxes to play with than in the school PE lessons that were monitored. Children were found to be active for two thirds of the time in the play sessions, compared to just 38% in their sports lessons and more so whilst playing than at any other time.

The research studied children in play sessions, with a variety of toys including space hoppers, hula hoops and dance mats or with cardboard boxes in both indoor and outdoor scenarios and during school activities such as break-times and PE Lessons. They were observed in 30 minute play sessions across four days, using accelerometers to measure their activity levels and heart rates.

The research took into consideration government guidelines on the minimum amount of physical activity children should have a day, which states primary school children should have at least an hour a day.

Natasha Crookes, from the British Toy & Hobby Association said, “Most parents understand that play is important for their children’s emotional development, but what this research highlights is the time spent with props, whether it is cardboard boxes or toys, is an easier and more enjoyable way for children to be physically active and meet the minimum guidelines of activity.”

Furthermore, the results demonstrated that boys are slightly more actively engaged in play than girls – playing actively for 20minutes in a session, versus 17 minutes for girls. Typically girls are less likely to be active than boys with studies showing that as little as 34% of girls aged 4-10 have an hour of vigorous physical activity per day compared to 51% of boys of the same age. This latest study highlights the substantial contribution that active play can have at getting girls to reach daily activity levels.

The research also revealed that when provided with outdoor space, both boys and girls spent more time engaged in physical activity in comparison to being indoors. However, the results also showed that children engaged in more activity of a moderate-vigorous intensity indoors with toys, in comparison to when they took part in a PE lesson, highlighting that parents who are unable to provide an outdoor space can still encourage their children to engage in energetic active play indoors.

In a second element to the study conducted by the British Toy and Hobby Association, 2,000 British parents were surveyed on their views on the physical activity their children have. Whilst over a quarter of parents admit that their children get just 30 minutes or less of physical activity a day (including at home and school), over a third of parents agree with the government guidelines and believe their children should have an hour or more of physical activity a day.

Natasha Crookes added, “Whilst we see the importance school activities and PE lessons have, it is interesting to note that parents should not rely on these sessions alone for children to get a daily amount of physical activity – play is not only fun and sociable but an ideal way for kids to be active.”

As well as positive physical effects, the study also reinforced how important play is on children’s creativity levels and imagination. Knowing how to encourage their children to play is a parenting skill that 1 in 5 dads and nearly 1 in 6 mums would like to improve on. In response to the research, the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA) are promoting their ‘Make time to play’ campaign, with celebrity mum Kym Marsh, to encourage parents to get their children engaged in ‘active play for an hour a day’ to ensure they reach the governments minimum requirement on physical activity.

Through a dedicated Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/maketime2play and FREE downloadable app called Make Time to Play parents can receive and share ideas on how to get their children to have an hour of active play a day.

PARENTS CAN BE ‘APPY TOO WITH NEW PLAY APP

BRITISH TOY AND HOBBY ASSOCIATION LAUNCH APP TO HELP PARENTS WITH PLAYTIME

Make Time 2 PlayA new phone app to assist parents stuck for play ideas has been launched today, the 25th January by the British Toy and Hobby Association [BTHA], as part of their ‘Make Time to Play’ campaign.

The ‘Make Time to Play’ app, launched at Toy Fair; the only dedicated toy, game and hobby exhibition in the UK, is designed to give parents a bank of play ideas for each day of the year, offering them a quick and easy way of making time to play.

The app is free to download and contains versatile suggestions for playing outside, inside, or even on the move. Parents can choose to tailor ideas to their children’s ages, the number of kids playing, and whether they will be inside or outside. What’s more, if the first idea that pops up isn’t the best option, then parents just needs to shake their mobile until it lands on a play idea that is right for their family.

Natasha Crookes, Director of Communications at BTHA, comments: “As the official body representing the toy market, the BTHA is really excited to be releasing an innovative app for making parents’ lives easier when it comes to playtime. We hope to inspire parents, especially those who are often looking after more than one child, think up fun and inventive games all year-round.”

The app, aimed at parents with children aged one year old and over, is available to download from the Android and Apple stores. For more information visit http://www.maketime2play.co.uk/

Fears for a ‘Robot Generation’

New research reveals the harm a lack of play may have on future generations

Make Time 2 PlayExperts revealed today that children could become part of a ‘Robot Generation’ lacking social skills, creative skills and the ability to interact with others if they are not given the opportunity to play regularly. The expert predictions were supported by research among parents that revealed 74% of the 2,000 questioned thought a lack of play could have serious effects on a child’s future.

The findings of an expert panel, led by the British Toy and Hobby Association [BTHA] and Play England, highlight the long‐term effects on health and wellbeing that a lack of play can have, including obesity, poor social skills, an inability to make friends, less resilience to cope with pressures and the inability to have fun and enjoy childhood.

64% of parents believe that a lack of play can have a negative effect on their children’s communication skills, 57% on their ability to make friends, 56% believe it can damage their children’s confidence, and 51% believe it can stifle their imagination.

Parents have further concerns when it comes to adolescence, with 50% believing a lack of play as a child will lead to difficulty making friends and forming relationships as a teenager, 46% believe it will increase the likelihood of anti‐social behaviour, 43% believe it could lead to obesity and 36% believe it could lead to depression or mental health issues.

Whilst experts voiced fears for future generations and warned of the threat of constantly reducing time for play, 28% of parents reported that they do not believe their children get to play enough right now. Parents notice a real impact on their daily routine if their children haven’t had time to play, with 1 in 3 reporting their kids are “bouncing off the walls” with excess energy, a third reporting they’re irritable and difficult to put to bed (30%) and that they argue more (27%).

Dr Amanda Gummer, a psychologist and play expert and chair of the panel says “Play is a natural part of children’s lives and helps them to grow and develop the skills they need for later life. Not giving children time to grow and play could lead to a generation of sedentary children, lacking in creativity and imagination”. Cath Prisk, Play England’s Co‐ Director and panel member, added, “Play affects long term development but is also the “here and now”; it is an innate human need which we need to protect for our children”.

66% of parents would like more time to spend playing with their children, which is not surprising when 44% of families are at their happiest when they are playing together.

Parents cite work (52%), a busy schedule (49%) and feeling too tired (35%) as the three main reasons that prevent them from making more time to play with their children. When parents engage in play their top three activities are playing with toys and games, learning new skills, or sporty play.

Knowing how to let their children play is a parenting skill that 1 in 5 dads and nearly 1 in 6 mums would like to improve on. In response, the British Toy and Hobby Association (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 that children can play regularly in order to prevent a future generation of child robots.

Celebrity Dad Jeff Brazier, who is backing the campaign, says “Playtime for me and my kids is our time to spend together, and for me to be really focused on them ‐ away from work and other distractions. It can be difficult when you’re a busy parent with a career but I think it’s really important for parents to set aside time to play with their kids, whether it’s a game of hide and seek or a kick about in the park ‐ it’s great fun and a chance for them to be their most creative.”

Through a dedicated Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/maketimetoplay parents can receive help and ideas for positive play; they can win their child’s ideal play date and get ideas for great things to do as a family.