Top 10 tips for Playday 2007
Do children today have the same freedom to
play out in their local streets and neighbourhoods as you did?
Remember your own childhood memories of playing out: all the time
you spent outdoors in your local streets riding bikes, hatching
plans, playing games, or just going off to the park – all with your
friends from school and home. Was there an adult with you? Did you
go far from home? Were you out and about most of the day? What did
get from the experience that your schools and parents could never
teach you?
The space to play and the freedom that children have to enjoy
that space has diminished to the point that many children today are
effectively being raised in captivity. They are missing out on the
childhood experiences that form many adults’ happiest memories.
So – what can we do about it?
1. Listen to what children have to
say
Most children say they want to play out in their
local streets more than they do now. Ask them about how they think
their neighbourhood can be made a better place for playing and
encourage them to join in trying to get local improvements.
2. Encourage children to play out in the local
streets
Local streets offer a place to play where children are outside and
can feel independent but still be in sight or easy reach of their
homes. If you feel your local streets are not safe enough for
children to play out, talk with your neighbours about ways of
making the streets safer for play.
3. Agree with friends and neighbours to keep an eye out for
children
You can give children the feeling of freedom without leaving them
to their own devices altogether. Create a ‘playwatch’ group in your
neighbourhood. Get to know the people who are regularly out and
about; get to know your children’s friends; keep an eye out for all
children out playing; talk to people who feel uncomfortable when
children are playing in the local streets.
4.Teach your children road safety skills from a young
age
The more time children spend out on the streets from a young age,
with adults and other children, the more confident they will become
to play and negotiate the streets safely as they grow up. Take the
time to teach your children about safety on the roads when they are
young.
5. Walk with children to local places rather than drive
them in the car
Walking to school, the park and local shops with your young
children, rather than driving, will help develop their knowledge of
and respect for the local streets and neighbourhood.
6. Find the safest routes to your nearest parks and
playgrounds
Helping children find the safest routes
to their favourite places to play will help you and them feel more
confident about going out with their friends. Learn to routes with
your children and teach them how to cross the roads on the way so
they feel confident if they are out without an adult.
7. Campaign with your friends and neighbours to improve
the streets for play
Good streets for play are where
children can freely, choose what to do and play in their own ways.
They give children the chance to play in different ways using their
imagination, energy, senses, and all their physical, emotional and
social skills.
8. Discuss how to improve the local streets with local
community groups
If you have a neighbourhood
association, resident’s association, tenants group or other
community organisation, talk with them about how important it is
for children to play out and see if they can help develop safer,
child-friendly streets.
9. Contact your local councillor or local play
champion
Your local councillors might be able to support you in getting
improvements to your local streets to make them safer for play,
like slowing down traffic. Also many local authorities have play
champions who have been helping the authority develop a local play
strategy and who might be able to support your cause.
10. Stick up for children’s right to play in their local
streets
Children need advocates for play in the
community. Intolerant adults that either fear anti-social
behaviour, damage to property or who simply don’t like the noise
are a huge barrier to play. Listen to their concerns and try to
find solutions together. Remind them what it is like to be a child
as we were all one once!