International Day of Play 2024

On June 11, 2024, the world will celebrate the first International Day of Play, a special day focused on promoting play for everyone, especially children.

The Importance of Play

Play is more than just fun; it’s a universal activity that brings people together across different cultures. It helps build communities, foster creativity, and develop resilience. For children, play is crucial for forming relationships, managing emotions, overcoming trauma, and solving problems. It helps them grow cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally, preparing them for a rapidly changing world.

Play as a Fundamental Right

Limiting play opportunities harms children’s well-being and growth. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child recognizes play as a fundamental right under Article 31. In schools, play-based learning engages students more effectively, making learning enjoyable and relevant, boosting motivation and retention. Play also promotes tolerance, resilience, social inclusion, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding.

A Global Celebration

The International Day of Play is a global event that highlights the importance of play. It calls for policies, training, and funding to integrate play into education and communities worldwide.

Why Play Matters

• Learning: Children learn best through play, which supports their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Connection: Play helps children connect with others, develop leadership skills, build resilience, navigate social challenges, and overcome fears.
• Creativity: Play encourages imagination and creativity, essential skills for our technology-driven world.
• Well-being: Playful interactions improve the mental health of children, parents, and caregivers.
• Crisis Support: In emergencies, play provides children with safety, a break from stress, and a way to process their experiences. It helps displaced children cope with trauma through nurturing relationships.

To foster these benefits, governments, and stakeholders must create environments that promote and celebrate play.

Re-reported from the article originally published in ADDA247.