Nearly 70% of children surveyed said that playing makes them feel happy and excited, and 62% would like to play more than five times a week. Despite this, more than a third of children think that scrolling on TikTok and watching YouTube videos is stopping them from playing. 
 
Meanwhile, most parents and carers across Wales agree that playing is important for children’s wellbeing, with 90% saying that playing has a positive impact on their mental health.

Children have told us how playing makes them feel, like 10-year-old Aneurin York from Barry who said: ‘I really like playing because it actually helps me in life with stuff and helps me know how I’m feeling. It also shows people how to express their feelings without having to hide them from anyone.’ 
 
How can we encourage more play
 
With children, parents and carers in agreement on the value of play to children’s health and happiness, encouraging children and creating opportunities to play has never been more important.
 
Our website includes lots of ideas and resources to help parents and carers support children of all ages to get what they need most out of play. 

To read more: https://www.playfulchildhoods.wales/Blog/give-children-more-time-to-play