BPS responds to Raising the Nation Play Commission report
Children are spending half as much time playing outdoors compared to the previous generation, according to a new report.
07 March 2025
The Raising the Nation Play Commission has published a new report which found children were spending significantly less time outdoors, declining by 50% in a generation.
The report highlights a reduction in school break times, playground closures, and a lack of money for public play facilities.
Commenting on the findings, Chair of the British Psychology Society's Faculty for Children Young People and their Families Dr Rachel Bradley, said:
"The Commission's findings make for worrying reading. There must be sufficient time built into the curriculum to allow children and young people the time to play and to socialise.
"Wherever possible there should be concrete opportunities for pupils to play in a meaningful way. As well as this, play that's embedded into teaching and learning has been proven to stimulate brain capacity, improve social and emotional skills and boost concentration levels.
"Play is a vital component of every child's development, and we agree with the report's assessment that schools should ringfence time within the school day for breaktimes and lunchtimes."
The report's publication follows the BPS's Time to Play campaign which highlighted the importance of play, which helps children develop skills in coping with challenge, facing uncertainty, and how to be adaptable to different circumstances.
The BPS continues to call for more play to be put back in the school day. This will help reverse the impact of lost playtime on children's wellbeing.
Professor Vivian Hill, from the BPS's Division of Educational and Child Psychology added:
"Educational psychologists have a vital role in ensuring there is child-led play for all children both in and outside school. This includes supporting whole-school play initiatives and advocating for access to play within their day-to-day casework.
"Ultimately all children and young people should have access to free, high quality, local opportunities for play. This is particularly important for children who may experience exclusion from play such as those with disabilities or children living in poverty. We must level the playing field to give equal opportunities to all."