UK Government Responds to Play Commission Report

The Raising the Nation Play Commission has released a landmark report urging the UK government to revive outdoor play for children, noting that time spent playing outside has halved in a generation. Factors cited include increased screen time, playground closures, dangerous roads, and declining societal acceptance of outdoor play. The report recommends a National Play Strategy with £125 million annual funding, the appointment of a 'minister for play,' a national ban on 'No Ball Games' signs, school smartphone bans, and raising the digital age of consent to 16. Other proposals include protecting playtime during school breaks, opening school playgrounds after hours, and including children in urban planning. Key figures such as Paul Lindley and Baroness Longfield stress the need to address addictive digital habits and foster more playful communities. The government has acknowledged the report and is collaborating with experts to develop a framework aimed at improving access to play and outdoor activities.