New Delhi: The times have changed and children are no longer on the streets, spending time with a group of friends playing some fun outdoor games till the time mom shouts out of the home ot come back, all covered in mud, dust on the clothes, no worries in mind and only one goal to let the opposite team go home with a defeat. Children are now not seen on the roads or in the parks near their homes to play outdoor games or keep themselves active with outdoor activities.

With a lot of school studies, educational activities and tech gadgets taking over the reign of play and outdoor time. The parents, along with the kids, need to understand the role of healthy play, which increases the mind with engagement, along with the need to play outdoors to improve the well-being and mental state of mind.

International Day of Play 2025

In a world where structured schedules and screen-based learning dominate childhood, the International Day of Play, observed annually on June 11, serves as a vital reminder of the importance of unstructured play in a child’s life. In 2025, the theme for this special occasion is choose play-everyday, which serves as a great reminder for parents and children to move out of their houses, leave their phones and busy schedules of work, to spend some time and play outside for freshness and relaxation.

As digital engagement becomes more widespread, experts urge families and educators to rethink the meaning of healthy play.

The role of outdoor play in child’s development

Playing outside is more than just fun or a lame activity – it is a fundamental pillar of childhood, and how a child’s growth will depend on how and when they play. When children do activities such as jumping, running, climbing and being in the beauty of nature to explore the world since childhood, it builds confidence, keeps them away from a lot of fears of life, helps exercise their mind and body and also builds emotional resistance.

Benefits of outdoor play include:

• Physical Development: Activities like cycling, playing catch, or climbing improve motor skills, strength, and cardiovascular health.
• Mental Wellbeing: Nature-based play has been shown to reduce anxiety, increase concentration, and improve mood.
• Social Learning: Group play fosters teamwork, problem-solving, negotiation, and leadership skills.

Is screen time all bad?

Not all screen time is detrimental; if your child is learning a new skill or spending time with a purposeful or engaging app or activity, it can be a great way to add skill to their career and a great way to learn easily. With tech gadgets taking over the world, it is in our hands not to let them take over our lives and use them smartly for our benefit.

The key lies in moderation and content quality. Experts recommend setting clear boundaries, such as device-free meals and screen breaks, along with age-appropriate digital content.