On the occasion of World Play Day on 28 May, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Anna Maria Corazza Bildt hosted an event in the European Parliament entitled ‘Taking play seriously: investing in Europe’s future’ to enhance understanding of the unique role of play in supporting children’s development. ‘Playing is very important for children to learn, communicate, socialise and develop. Learning and playing go hand in hand,’ said MEP Corazza Bildt.
Participants at the event agreed that play needs to be taken seriously, as it is a basic need for children and an essential part of their well-being, development and learning. There was consensus that there is a role for Europe in enabling children to play. Recommendations for action included launching an informal European Union (EU) platform of interested parties to promote understanding of the importance of play and to encourage Member States to ensure that European children can continue to realise their full potential through play.
‘The European Commission takes play very seriously because it is a right of our children and youth. We need to enable an appropriate play environment for children, especially in a time of crisis,’ said Despina Spanou, Director for Consumer Affairs at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Consumer. George Zisimos, Member of Cabinet of Education Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou stated: ‘At a time when educators are under increasing pressure to meet targets and achieve high scores, the role of play-based learning in quality early childhood education should not be disregarded.’
‘Severe play deprivation could have serious consequences for children’s development and consequently also for Europe’s future,’ stressed creativity expert Fredrik Hrén. ‘To play is to live. To question the need for play is to assume that we are born fully knowledgeable about the world around us. Not playing means not living to our full potential,’ he added.
Toy Industries of Europe (TIE) took the opportunity of World Play Day to support the event, in order to raise awareness of and stimulate discussion among EU policy makers about the value of play for children and society as a whole. ‘TIE and its members recognise the fundamental role of play in growing up. Play benefits society; we cannot afford to trivialise it. Investing in quality play opportunities is an investment in Europe’s future,’ stated Catherine Van Reeth, Director General of TIE.
‘Policy makers, governments, NGOs, industry, academics, schools, civil society, etc. need to join forces to ensure that our children enjoy the freedom to play,’ MEP Corazza Bildt concluded.
