The deprivation information sheet is aimed at play providers, play researchers and those with an interest in children’s play, health and wellbeing.

Written by Emeritus Professor Fraser Brown, Play deprivation: the causes and consequences for child development, and the potential of playwork explores research on the links between a decline in children’s opportunities to play and rising mental health and social issues. It examines:

• the concept of play deprivation and its meaning
• the relationship between play and children’s mental wellbeing and social development
• the consequences of play deprivation
• the positive impact of using a playwork approach.

Originally published in 2013, one of the most useful additions to the updated version is a table in which Fraser provides a thorough summary of the benefits of play and the dangers of play deprivation. 

The information sheet deals with the spectrum of play deprivation – from cases of extreme child neglect to the influences impacting children’s play in today’s culture. Drawing on Fraser’s own research and other evidence across this spectrum, it discusses how a playwork approach can address the negative outcomes of play deprivation.

You can download the information sheet here.