Why do kids need Play?

We have a BIG HAIRY PROBLEM - our kids aren’t playing enough! Kids keep telling us they have no time, nowhere to play and no-one to play with. We call this Play Poverty.

We know when kids play they have FUN, make friends, feel good and learn heaps of stuff.

Touched by Olivia changes the way society plays by reminding us all that play is the way to a happy, healthy, thriving childhood and the foundation for tweens and teens to be confident, resilient & creative young adults.

By providing support to communities, particularly in rural and remote communities, to create inclusive playspaces where we can all play together, We are getting play back on the agenda for kids, teens and communities so we can all live happier, healthier, more connected lives. Turning Play Poverty to Play Prosperity

We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop Playing.

- George Bernard Shaw

Through the lens of play research… there is a direct line between play deficiencies and some frightening public health and social trends:

What is INCLUSIVE Play

Inclusive Play means play time for EVERYONE, all ages, all stages, all backgrounds and all circumstances.

It is when we all feel safe, supported and comfortable to play our own way.

We are able to play side by side, with others our own age.

We are able to show the things we are good at and practice the things we are learning to do.

It is where we can take on a challenge and try something hard or a bit scary.

We can play by ourselves, beside others and with others depending how we are feeling.

We can use our bodies and our imaginations and are free to explore and adventure.

Most importantly we can CHOOSE who, how and the way we want to play.

Without plenty of natural movement children run the risk of experiencing developmental delays in all areas of their life. Movement is not just about the physical body it is a very sophisticated necessity for developing healthy brains, healthy minds and nurturing the socio-cultural development of every human being.

- Maggie Dent

Friedrich Frobel saw play as the most spiritual activity in which a child can engage:

The child who has restricted opportunities for play is like a fruit tree which is planted in a small pot and therefore cannot bear good fruit.

Our children's Right to Play

Play opens up a whole world of possibilities that's why The United Nations General Assembly has adopted an annual International Day of Play.f

June 11 2024 will be the first-ever International Day of Play. It marks a significant milestone in efforts to preserve, promote, and prioritise playing so that all people, especially children, can reap the rewards and thrive to their full potential.

Every child can reach their full potential, with the time, space and access to play.

It’s time to put play back on the agenda. On this day, and every day.