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Overwhelming majority of parents believe in-person play has a positive impact on their child’s wellbeing

During the summer holidays, we want to remind children and families of the benefits of all types of play, whether in-person or online, and that we're here if they need support.

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  • Results from our new survey1 reveal that 86% of UK parents – more than eight out of 10 – whose children play, believe in-person play has a positive impact on children’s wellbeing.
  • The YouGov survey of over 1,000 parents, with children aged 18 or under, also found that 62% of respondents, whose children play, would like their children to have more time to do so.
  • Almost a third (32%) said playing with peers was the top way to enhance their child’s experience.

Childline is here to support children during the summer holidays

Our Childline service hears first-hand about the challenges that some children face during this time. Some tell Childline they struggle to cope being out of their school routine, while others feel disconnected from their friends.

Childline’s trained counsellors promote play, both online or offline, as a helpful tool that children can use to support their wellbeing and reduce anxiety.

The results of this survey are in line with a report conducted by the Children’s Commissioner2 on the importance of play. The 2018 findings state that children who play are happier and more confident. It also reveals that they are better at dealing with stress and forming healthy attachments.

Childline counsellors regularly hear from children who share the positive impact that both in-person and online play has on their life and how it helps them cope during difficult times.

One girl aged 16* told Childline:

“I’ve got so much going on in my head right now, I can barely think straight.

"I don’t like talking about my feelings with others that much. Normally, I just play online games like Roblox to take my mind off things.

"I also like playing board games with my mum if she’s around. I suppose I could ask if she wants to play something tonight.”

We want to remind all children and families this summer holiday that if a child in their life is struggling, how play – whether that be online or offline – can be a useful way to manage any worries and release stress.   

Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said:

“At Childline we believe it’s incredibly important for young people to have happy and healthy childhoods that are full of play.

“Ensuring your child has a variety of different types of play, whether that’s online or in-person, will help them cope in difficult times, connect with others, build confidence and learn more about the world around them.

“Whether it be playing a board game, football or visiting the Childline website and playing a game in our online toolbox, all types of play can be beneficial.”

The Raising the Nation Play Commission

Paul Lindley OBE, founder of organic baby food brand Ella’s Kitchen, recently spoke at our How Safe conference alongside other thought leaders, government representatives, and front-line workers on how we can all work together to build a better future for our children.

Earlier this year, along with the Commission for Young Lives, Paul announced the launch of the Raising the Nation Play Commission, a landmark inquiry into children’s play in the UK.

Paul Lindley, Founder of Ella’s Kitchen, the UK’s biggest baby food brand, said:

“This survey reinforces the vital importance of in-person play and the enormous benefits it brings to children and families.  

"Play is central to thriving childhoods, yet in the last decade or more many of the opportunities and spaces for play have been lost.

"That's why I've launched a year-long 'Raising the Nation Play Commission' – to develop a new plan to break down the barriers to play. Our expert team will take evidence and bring together best practice to put forward a national play strategy to the Government.

"As this survey makes clear, we need to build a new era of play and give children their childhoods back."

Children can get in touch with Childline 24/7 every day of the year on childline.org.uk or 0800 1111

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Notes

* Snapshots are based on real Childline service users but are not necessarily direct quotes. All names and potentially identifying details have been changed to protect the identity of the child, young person or adult involved.

References

  1. 1. See below the exact wording and results used in the survey, which was conducted by the service YouGov and commissioned by the NSPCC.

     

    The total sample size was 4,621 adults, of which 1,172 were parents of children 18 years or under.

     

    Fieldwork was undertaken between 22-24 May 2024. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

     

    To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: In-person play has a positive impact on a child’s well-being.

      • Strongly agree – 53%
      • Tend to agree – 33%
      • Neither agree nor disagree – 9%
      • Tend to disagree - 3%
      • Strongly disagree – 1%
      • Don’t know – 2%

    Which ONE, if any, of the following options do you feel would enhance your child's playing experience the MOST?

        • More time inside – 3%
        • More time outside – 26%
        • More time with other children – 32%
        • Less time with other children – 0%
        • Access to online devices – 1%
        • More time on devices – 0%
        • Less time on devices – 5%
        • More time playing with parents/carers/trusted adults – 3%
        • Access to more toys – 0%
        • Access to creative materials – 4%
        • More free time to play – 5%
        • Availability of safe spaces to play – 7%
        • Other – 2%
        • Don't know – 4%
        • Not applicable – Nothing will enhance my child's play – 6%

    To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: I would like my child to have more time to play in general.

    • Strongly agree – 23%
    • Tend to agree – 39%
    • Neither agree nor disagree – 30%
    • Tend to disagree – 7%
    • Strongly disagree – 1%
    • Don’t know – 1%

  2. 2. Evidence has linked play and physical activity to improved mental health and wellbeing. Children who play are happier and more confident. They are better at dealing with stress and forming healthy attachments.

     

    (Playing Out: A Children’s Commissioner’s report on the importance to children of play and physical activity – page 4).