New Delhi: For the overall development of a person, play is important and impacts cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being. Play helps a person, whether a child or an adult, learn about the world, develop essential skills, and also build strong relationships.
To emphasise the importance of play, the United Nations declared the International Day of Play. It was the first time observed in 2024. Let us delve further into its history and significance.
Before we proceed to read about the history and significance, let us first explore why children need to play. Children learn best through play, which supports their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. Play helps them build connections, develop leadership skills, cultivate resilience, and foster creativity.
It provides a safe space for children to navigate relationships and express themselves. In times of crisis, play offers comfort and allows children to process adverse experiences. To foster playful interactions between children and caregivers, governments and stakeholders should create environments that are supportive and nurturing.
The International Day of Play, observed on June 11, 2024, emphasises the significance of play for everyone, particularly children, in fostering their overall well-being and promoting thriving. Play transcends boundaries, fostering community, resilience, creativity, and innovation.
For children, it helps build relationships, overcome trauma, and enhance problem-solving skills. Play is essential for cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. Limiting play opportunities can hinder a child’s well-being.
Education systems benefit from play-based learning, making lessons more enjoyable and improving information retention.
Additionally, play promotes tolerance, resilience, social inclusion, and peacebuilding. The United Nations recognises play as a fundamental right for every child under Article 31.
This international day serves as a call to action for policies and funding to integrate play into education and community settings worldwide.
This year’s International Day of Play has the theme “Choose Play – Every Day.” This theme reminds everyone — governments, businesses, schools, and families — to make choices that support and prioritise play for children.
Every child has a right to play. It is important to promote play as a fundamental aspect of childhood development. Efforts should be made to scale up services, including parenting programs, that encourage play and attachment between caregivers and children. Access to preschool education and play-based learning should be available for all children aged 3 to 6 years. Additionally, providing safe, inclusive, and well-maintained play areas is essential for every child.
