ESSAY 2.

Essay 2.

Essay 2

Play is a generic term applied to a wide range of activities and behaviours that are satisfying to the child, creative for the child and freely chosen by the child. It has frequently been described as 'what children and young people do when not being told what to do by adults.' As children grow they are more likely to describe these informal recreational activities in ways other than 'playing'. Under the UN Convention, older children's right to their own recreational and cultural lives is as important as younger children's right to play. This charter applies equally to all ages of children. In the charter, children are defined as anyone under the age of 18 years. This definition draws on that used in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and ratified by the United Kingdom in 1991.

Playing is integral to children's enjoyment of their lives, their health and their development. Children and young people - disabled and non-disabled - whatever their age, culture, ethnicity or social and economic background, need and want to play, indoors and out, in whatever way they can. Through playing, children are creating their own culture, developing their abilities, exploring their creativity and learning about themselves, other people and the world around them. Children need and want to stretch and challenge themselves when they play. Play provision and play space that is stimulating and exciting allows children to encounter and learn about risk. This helps them to build confidence, learn skills and develop resilience at their own pace. It also helps equip them to manage risk safely in their lives.

Children have the right to play

All children and young people have the right to play and need to play: free to choose what they do - lively or relaxed, noisy or quiet - with the chance to stretch and challenge themselves, take risks and enjoy freedom. The right to play is enshrined in Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. All children and young people - disabled and non-disabled - whatever their age, culture, ethnicity or social and economic background, need time and space to play freely and confidently with their peers, free of charge, indoors and outdoors, somewhere they feel safe. Play provision should actively include the widest range of children and seek to engage with those from minority groups.

Adults should let children play

Parents, ...