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

New 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

Play 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.

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

A 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/

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

Experts 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.

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY AS SCHOOLS RESTRICT PLAYTIME

New research released today reveals that parents feel their children’s playtime is being limited at primary school to the potential detriment of their academic progress.

The British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA) and Play England who commissioned this survey ahead of children going back to school this week, also found that 74 per cent of parents in the UK feel that schools are too concerned with health and safety to allow kids to have traditional ‘rough and tumble’ play which is so important for social and physical development.

Over 85 per cent of parents believe that playtime at school can improve children’s learning. However, a third feel that their kids don’t get enough playtime at school – with the average child having just 37 minutes of time to play throughout the school day.

Psychologist and play expert Dr. Amanda Gummer comments: “It is concerning that such as large proportion of parents feel their child’s school is restricting their play, and rough and tumble play in particular. While schools need to prioritize safety, play is key to developing social skills including teamwork, communication and negotiation. The playground is the perfect place to learn these skills.

Young children benefit from frequent changes in activity, especially if they have to concentrate hard as they do during the school day. Active play in school breaks means that children are refreshed for their lessons and better able to concentrate.”

Catherine Prisk, Assistant Director of Play England, said “With children returning to school this week, and the announcement of cuts to play facilities, the subject of children’s play is coming to the fore. Research shows that making time for children to play during the school day improves concentration and behaviour, and creates a better learning environment. Break times for teachers are protected by legislation, but there is no requirement for children to have time to play at school.”

The Make Time to Play campaign highlights the benefits of children’s play through the website www.maketimetoplay.co.uk. Throughout the summer, the BTHA and Play England have been encouraging children to play more by asking parents to ‘Make a Pledge’ to allocate more of their children’s time each day to spend playing. Parents at Playday, the national day for play, in August, helped to smash the target of pledged play minutes and have taken the total to over 90 million minutes of play during the summer. It is not too late for parents to continue to pledge at www.facebook.com/maketime2play.

CHILDREN GET JUST ONE HOUR OF PLAY A DAY

Figures released today by The British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA) and Play England show that parents feel their children are not having enough playtime with the average child playing for just over one hour (70 minutes) each day. Parents would like to see this time double.

The BTHA and Play England commissioned the survey that found a quarter of parents feel they had a lot more time to play when they were a child compared to their children. Half of parents feel that their children are under more pressure today than ever before and that school, homework and extra lessons are preventing them from playing. One in ten said they feel their children have increasingly structured days and one in five don’t think their children have enough free time to just be children.

Almost a third of parents (27%) feel like time playing with their children is becoming limited due to work pressures such as overtime and a bid to impress employers and over a third (39%) would like to have flexible working time so they can spend more time encouraging their kids to play.

The research found that one in four parents find it difficult to think up different ways to support their children to play and a third (32%)would like a resource to be available that gives them ideas to encourage more play.

The BTHA has therefore partnered with Play England to ask parents to ‘Make A Pledge’ to allocate more of their children’s time each day to spend playing. Parents can make their pledge via Facebook at www.facebook.com/maketime2play and will be able to receive help and ideas of what to do with the time they pledge.

The aim is to get the UK to collectively pledge 2 million extra minutes to play over the next three months. Parents can pledge anything from just 5 minutes a day to an hour. They can also keep adding time if they are easily hitting their own target.

“Play helps a child to develop a whole range of skills from learning how to take turns and share to increasing fitness, creativity and even self-esteem. Through fun and play a child learns about the world around them”, said Dr Amanda Gummer, a psychologist who advises the BTHA. “This research shows that children today are not getting enough time to play and their parents want to change this”.

Adrian Voce, Director of Play England, said “Play England are pleased to partner with the British Toy and Hobby Association to encourage more play for all children. Both organisations believe in the power of play and the benefits it has for the development of all children, such as health, learning and enjoyment. An easy way for families to pledge towards the 2million extra minutes is to attend one of a thousand events taking place across the UK on 4 August to celebrate Playday. Through the ‘Make Time to Play’ campaign we hope that steps will be made to give our nation’s children the playtime they need and deserve”.

Parents are also invited to share their favourite games and tips to inspire children to play through the Facebook page and can get lots of ideas of how to fill their pledged time at www.maketime2play.co.uk. The site details the benefits of play and gives parents ideas of what to do to keep children entertained over the coming months including Playday – the annual celebration of children’s right to play on Wednesday 4^th August.