First-Ever International Day of Play Marked to Help Children Reach Full Potential

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (June 11, 2024) – Today marks the first-ever International Day of Play, which has been declared by the United Nations General Assembly to champion and protect children's right to play.

The Day of Play on June 11 was added to the list of global annual observances recognized by the United Nations, following a successful campaign by Save the Children, the LEGO Group and the LEGO Foundation and other partners, to recognize play as a critical developmental activity for children. 

Play is crucial for children's learning, well-being, and development. Through play children practice roles and build skills such as concentration, learning, memory, and language. Play also helps children explore and understand the world around them - it sparks creativity and can inspire a life-long love of learning.

Children have a right to play under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child signed in 1989. Yet around 70% of adults aren’t aware of this right, according to toy manufacturer LEGO’s global Play Well Study 2024, underscoring the need for an international day. 

Anne Filorizzo Pla, Save the Children’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Global Lead, said:

“Save the Children is proud to have been part of the movement calling for an International Day of Play. Children everywhere have the right to play. It is essential for their development, well-being, and learning, yet all too often it is undervalued and deprioritized.

“Play is particularly important for children who have experienced distressing events, such as violence and loss of loved ones. Through play children can explore their emotions and experiences and regain some normalcy.” 

"As adults, it's our responsibility to carve out time and space for children to play, whether it's at home, school, or in the community. International Day of Play serves as a reminder that engaging in play with children doesn't make us less of an adult, it demonstrates our serious care and commitment to their healthy development and helps us to understand their world and what makes them tick.”

A child’s opportunity to play is influenced by factors such as gender, age, family income, and disability. For example, global data indicates that girls often bear a disproportionate burden of household chores, which limits their time for play and creative activities, and affects their self-confidence and aspirations for the future, according to Save the Children’s “Girls, Play and Power” analysis (June 2023).

Children living in areas affected by conflict or natural disasters are significantly less likely to have safe places to play with 44% of children in conflict-affected countries and 38% in areas hit by natural disasters reported that they have no safe places to play, compared to the global average of 22%, according to International Day of Play’s  Child and Youth Advisory Group’s consultations with more than 10,000 children and young people across the world.

Play is a key component of Save the Children’s work. For example, Save the Children and LEGO’s ‘Girls Unstoppable’ program frees up girls from household chores, so they can play and campaign or advocate about issues which matter to them. During emergencies, Save the Children’s Child-Friendly Spaces offer a safe place for children to play and recover from distressing experiences. Through play, children can understand their experiences, put them into context, and communicate feelings and thoughts. They can build their social-emotional learning and their resilience. This is especially powerful in times of crisis.

In difficult contexts and every day, it’s critical to ensure children are allowed to learn and have more time and outlets for play, both in and outside of school. Play contributes to outcomes linked to Save the Children’s ambition of creating a world where all children learn, survive and are protected.  

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Editor’s Notes:

·       For more information regarding Save the Children’s approach to play: Let’s Play! Save the Children and Play: Guidance Note

·       Spokespeople available upon request