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Play Australia has launched their new national campaign ‘Play Today’ which highlights the vital need for children to increase their access to freedom, time and space to play outside for improved mental health and wellbeing.

With the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare noting that one in four children are overweight or obese and Beyond Blue advising one in seven children are experiencing a mental health condition, there is still a long way to go to improve children’s health in Australia.

Play Australia, the peak national body for play, has initiated ‘Play Today’ to grow awareness about the value of children’s outside play, being the ultimate early intervention to set children on a healthy path for life.

Barb Champion, Executive Director at Play Australia notes “we all have a responsibility to protect the rights of children to play and if you’re a parent or caregiver, that means providing your children with freedom, time and space to get outside and play freely every day.”

Play Today is supported by a number of generous launch partners including Imagination Play, Lark Industries, Forpark Australia and Playgroup Australia.

As a Play Today parent ambassador, Kieran Brophy celebrates the launch of Play Today.

Brophy shares “I have so many fond memories of playing outside in my neighbourhood as a child, only heading home when the street lights came on, and it’s my wish that not only my children, but all children have that same freedom to get outside, explore and learn about the world around them through play. Play is one of the best ways to grow confident kids.”

According to Play Researcher Dr. Jane Webb-Williams from the University of South Australia, many Australian parents and caregivers saw the negative effects of keeping their children indoors during COVID and are more aware of the benefits of outdoor play than ever before. However, there still exists many barriers to outdoor play including fear of injury – particularly from cars and stranger danger, lack of public transport to access outdoor play spaces and parent’s busy lives.

“We’ve got a big job ahead of us” says Dr. Williams, “to build confidence in Australian parents and caregivers so they give our children greater freedom to get outside and play.”

Play Today is Play Australia’s long-term national campaign to help remind parents and caregivers that the greatest learning experiences occur when children are given freedom to step outside their comfort zone and embrace new challenges through play.

Champion adds “we need to embrace risk as an essential part of play. Without risk our children would never learn how to ride bikes, climb trees, talk to one another and grow into resilient individuals, who have the ability and confidence to thrive through all life stages”.

Play Australia is proud to release a campaign website with information for families on the value of play for children’s holistic development as well as information for adults on how they can support children in their care to get the most out of their play today.

To find out more about Play Today and get involved visit www.playtoday.org.au

https://www.playaustralia.org.au/

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