By Denise Winterman BBC News Magazine Traditional play is disappearing and so are children from public spaces, says a new report. Kids are now told where, when and how they can play and it isn't working for anyone. The solution?
By Denise Winterman BBC News Magazine Traditional play is disappearing and so are children from public spaces, says a new report. Kids are now told where, when and how they can play and it isn't working for anyone. The solution?
Our notion of play has changed over the years and has little to do with fun. These days the closest a child gets to an adrenalin rush is rocking back and forth on a springy chicken in an asphalt-covered playground.
Our notion of play has changed over the years and has little to do with fun. These days the closest a child gets to an adrenalin rush is rocking back and forth on a springy chicken in an asphalt-covered playground.
Children are losing the freedom to roam and play independently, says a new report from the think tank Demos, along with places where such exploration is allowed. It argues that children have effectively been segregated from public spaces, and are instead herded into fenced-off playgrounds or driven to activities deemed "acceptable" for letting off steam.
Children are losing the freedom to roam and play independently, says a new report from the think tank Demos, along with places where such exploration is allowed. It argues that children have effectively been segregated from public spaces, and are instead herded into fenced-off playgrounds or driven to activities deemed "acceptable" for letting off steam.
But the erosion of unstructured play is not making anyone happy.
But the erosion of unstructured play is not making anyone happy.
Hanging out The UK recently came bottom of the Unicef rankings for child wellbeing, with the nation's teenagers branded the "worst behaved in Europe". And adults are increasingly torn between a fear for children and fear of them.
Hanging out The UK recently came bottom of the Unicef rankings for child wellbeing, with the nation's teenagers branded the "worst behaved in Europe". And adults are increasingly torn between a fear for children and fear of them.
"Unless young people are in structured activities or acting as mini-consumers, we assume that they are causing trouble," says Celia Hannon, one of the authors of the Demos report.
"Unless young people are in structured activities or acting as mini-consumers, we assume that they are causing trouble," says Celia Hannon, one of the authors of the Demos report.
"Our streets, squares and parks need to be accessible and enjoyable for all, otherwise existing anxiety around anti-social behaviour will get worse. Children should be seen and heard."
"Our streets, squares and parks need to be accessible and enjoyable for all, otherwise existing anxiety around anti-social behaviour will get worse. Children should be seen and heard."
So what can we do differently? Three experts in the field consider the future of play.
So what can we do differently? Three experts in the field consider the future of play.
TEMPORARY SPACES
TEMPORARY SPACES
Play means more than just swings and a slide, and it definitely means more than playgrounds. Taking a space not usually associated with children and turning it into a playground for all ages can transform an area.
Play means more than just swings and a slide, and it definitely means more than playgrounds. Taking a space not usually associated with children and turning it into a playground for all ages can transform an area.
Urban beaches 'unite generations'This summer more than 80 tonnes of sand were imported from the Bahamas to create an urban beach in Manchester. One of Bristol's city centre squares was also transformed into a sandy paradise. The beaches revitalised the areas and became a place for people of all ages to meet, relax and play.
Urban beaches 'unite generations'This summer more than 80 tonnes of sand were imported from the Bahamas to create an urban beach in Manchester. One of Bristol's city centre squares was also transformed into a sandy paradise. The beaches revitalised the areas and became a place for people of all ages to meet, relax and play.
Such projects are not just about the physical, they also send out a message, says Adrian Voce, the director of Play England.
Such projects are not just about the physical, they also send out a message, says Adrian Voce, the director of Play England.
"They challenge people's notion of what play is and where it can be done.
"They challenge people's notion of what play is and where it can be done.
"They have impact and send out a message that play isn't something trivial, it is something that can break down barriers and create a place where people of all ages can be."
"They have impact and send out a message that play isn't something trivial, it is something that can break down barriers and create a place where people of all ages can be."
MOVING SPACES
MOVING SPACES
Cars, commerce and "adult play" take priority over children, says Demos. So the opportunities for many children to have fun are few and far between. Also, there are times when play becomes even more important, like in the school holidays.
Cars, commerce and "adult play" take priority over children, says Demos. So the opportunities for many children to have fun are few and far between. Also, there are times when play becomes even more important, like in the school holidays.
This is why play in the future could be brought to children when and where they need it.
This is why play in the future could be brought to children when and where they need it.
In Bristol "play pods" are being built out of refurbished shipping containers. These will be filled with toys and moved around areas during school holidays.
In Bristol "play pods" are being built out of refurbished shipping containers. These will be filled with toys and moved around areas during school holidays.
"It's about taking the action to children, moving play to where it is needed," says landscape architect Phil Heaton, who has been involved in the redesign of many play areas.
"It's about taking the action to children, moving play to where it is needed," says landscape architect Phil Heaton, who has been involved in the redesign of many play areas.
"It's about giving kids who don't have many opportunities for play the chance to get involved."
"It's about giving kids who don't have many opportunities for play the chance to get involved."
ICONIC SPACES
ICONIC SPACES
Play has become so narrowly circumscribed, there are few places it is considered "acceptable". Even in public places there are limitations on noise, meeting friends, playing ball games, riding bike, using skateboards... the list goes on.
Play has become so narrowly circumscribed, there are few places it is considered "acceptable". Even in public places there are limitations on noise, meeting friends, playing ball games, riding bike, using skateboards... the list goes on.
Creating a village in central LondonTo challenge and change such ideas, good play needs to be part of the nation's iconic spaces - or temporarily transform them. It doesn't mean putting an ugly, plastic playground in the grounds of Hampton Court, it's about thinking differently and challenging perceptions.
Creating a village in central LondonTo challenge and change such ideas, good play needs to be part of the nation's iconic spaces - or temporarily transform them. It doesn't mean putting an ugly, plastic playground in the grounds of Hampton Court, it's about thinking differently and challenging perceptions.
Last year Trafalgar Square was grassed over, creating a family-friendly environment in central London. Grassing over major road arteries for the day, such as Spaghetti Junction and London's North Circular, are other suggestions.
Last year Trafalgar Square was grassed over, creating a family-friendly environment in central London. Grassing over major road arteries for the day, such as Spaghetti Junction and London's North Circular, are other suggestions.
"Schemes like this turn traffic-congested roads and places into villages," says Mr Voce, of Play England. "It creates a carnival culture where people of all generations come and mix. For too long cars have been given priority over people. Events like this turn the tables."
"Schemes like this turn traffic-congested roads and places into villages," says Mr Voce, of Play England. "It creates a carnival culture where people of all generations come and mix. For too long cars have been given priority over people. Events like this turn the tables."
CREATE OWN SPACE
CREATE OWN SPACE
In the future children should be encourage to appropriate and adapt their own play space. Adults should not to be so hung up on kids hanging around, says Ms Hannon, of Demos.
In the future children should be encouraged to appropriate and adapt their own play space. Adults should not to be so hung up on kids hanging around, says Ms Hannon, of Demos.
Skateboarders are now part of South BankUnstructured play is an important part of growing up and an important way children learn about themselves and others. If they make a place their own, it's not always a negative thing.
Skateboarders are now part of South BankUnstructured play is an important part of growing up and an important way children learn about themselves and others. If they make a place their own, it's not always a negative thing.
Skateboarders on London's South Bank have become a tourist attraction in their own right, turning a dark warren of covered spaces into an exciting, vibrant place to be.
Skateboarders on London's South Bank have become a tourist attraction in their own right, turning a dark warren of covered spaces into an exciting, vibrant place to be.
"These young skaters have made this place their own, but not to the exclusion of anyone else," says Ms Hannon.
"These young skaters have made this place their own, but not to the exclusion of anyone else," says Ms Hannon.
"It's a great example of somewhere that is safer with young people hanging around. It is usually assumed that they make a place more threatening."
"It's a great example of somewhere that is safer with young people hanging around. It is usually assumed that they make a place more threatening."
Add your comments on this story, using the form below.
Add your comments on this story, using the form below.
Do we really need a think tank to tell children how to play? For Heaven's sake, just let them get out there and get on with it!Douglas Lee, London, UK
Do we really need a think tank to tell children how to play? For Heaven's sake, just let them get out there and get on with it!Douglas Lee, London, UK
Some Scandinavian countries have developed play grounds with equipment that can be used by all - adults, children, people with disabilities. So instead of signs that say 'for under 14s only', and dreary parks where parents have to stand round and watch their children on the swings and slides, and climbing apparatus, they now have places where everyone can go and enjoy a bit of play. Surely an idea that we should take up in this country? Why should a 15 year old, or 50 year old, be banned from having some fun?Dot Peryer, Penryn, UK
Some Scandinavian countries have developed play grounds with equipment that can be used by all - adults, children, people with disabilities. So instead of signs that say 'for under 14s only', and dreary parks where parents have to stand round and watch their children on the swings and slides, and climbing apparatus, they now have places where everyone can go and enjoy a bit of play. Surely an idea that we should take up in this country? Why should a 15 year old, or 50 year old, be banned from having some fun?Dot Peryer, Penryn, UK
Could not agree more. We should not exlude children from the adult world. I expect respect and good manners from children. I hope I derserve this. I dispair of adults that don't.Colin McFarlane, Gawcott, Buckingham, UK
Could not agree more. We should not exlude children from the adult world. I expect respect and good manners from children. I hope I derserve this. I dispair of adults that don't.Colin McFarlane, Gawcott, Buckingham, UK
As innovative as the new play proposals are, they still focus on controlling and approving places to play. When I was a child (which wasn't too long ago), it was all about finding your own places to play: Fields, trees, wooded areas, 'the green' etc. If every spare bit of land didnt turn into a crowded housing estate or new shopping complex within the blink of an eye, then kids would still be able to do this. Instead of designing our way out of problems all the time ('play pods'..?!?!), we actually need to slow the rate of development down and give kids a bit of breathing room.Oolong, Swansea
As innovative as the new play proposals are, they still focus on controlling and approving places to play. When I was a child (which wasn't too long ago), it was all about finding your own places to play: Fields, trees, wooded areas, 'the green' etc. If every spare bit of land didnt turn into a crowded housing estate or new shopping complex within the blink of an eye, then kids would still be able to do this. Instead of designing our way out of problems all the time ('play pods'..?!?!), we actually need to slow the rate of development down and give kids a bit of breathing room.Oolong, Swansea
