Northern Ireland

Nowhere to play: One in three children in Northern Ireland say they do not have enough places to play

A survey by PlayBoard NI has been carried out to mark the first-ever ‘International Day of Play’

The study shows children who live in the most densely populated areas 'have the worst access to outdoor play spaces'
PlayBoard NI has carried out a survey of children about the importance of play in their lives
By Suzanne McGonagle

Around one in three children do not have enough places to play, a survey has found.

Increased traffic outside homes has been blamed as one of the main barriers to play, according to PlayBoard NI.

In the lead-up to marking the first-ever International Day of Play on June 11, PlayBoard NI carried out a survey of children about the importance of play in their lives.

It found 48% said they did not have enough time for play, while 32% said there were very few places for them to play where they live and 28% highlighting a lack of other children to play with in their area.

Traffic concerns were highlighted by 27%, who said it prevented them from playing in their local area and on the streets near to their home.

A Generic Photo of kids playing. See PA Feature FAMILY Global Parenting. Picture credit should read: Thinkstock/PA. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature FAMILY Global Parenting.
Playboard carried out a two-week snapshot survey of 150 children and young people aged up to 18 years old and living in the north

But around 90% said play was important and 84% said it made them happy.

The two-week snapshot survey was completed online by 150 children and young people aged up to 18 years old and living in the north.

As part of International Day of Play, PlayBoard NI is today delivering an information session for MLAs at Parliament Buildings.

New statistics revealed the percentage of children in poverty by Westminster constituencies in Scotland.
June 11 marks the first ever International Day of Play

Speaking about what actions are required, Alan Herron from PlayBoard pointed to “the development of a resourced ‘Play Strategy’ aimed at increasing play opportunities, greater integration of play within school curricula, increasing access to inclusive play for children with disabilities, and providing safer spaces for play in communities.”