Why

Playing outside together is vital to children’s physical and mental wellbeing

Having time and space to play is widely recognised as fundamental to every child’s health, happiness and development. So much so that it is actually a human right, as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Unlike organised or paid-for activities, playing outside near home – where it is possible – is also fun, free and open to ALL children.

But children in the UK and many other countries around the world are less and less able to play out as they once did. Children haven’t changed but the world around them has. National and local decisions around traffic, communities, housing, planning and education have not considered children, pushing them out of streets and public space.

We can change this, together. Find out more about the issues below and how you can take action.