Children’s charity Variety has launched a National Play Survey to find out how Australian children and teenagers are playing, who is not playing and why.
The survey poses questions such as: Does where you live, what your background is or whether you live with a disability affect your opportunity to play? How many times do you visit your local playground? Are there enough play spaces in your neighbourhood? Do you wish your children had more time to play?
Variety head of Inclusive Play, Kim Becherand, said play is essential for the development of happy and healthy children, yet the reality is not all children and teens have the same opportunities to participate in play.
“We’re asking everyone to tell us what makes a great play experience and what would make parks and playgrounds more enjoyable and inclusive for them and what is getting in the way of their play.”
“We want to raise their voices and hear from our kids and teens directly and why they like to play, and what would get them to experience the joy and benefits of play and park recreation more,” she said. “We are also talking to parents, grandparents, carers, schools, councils, service providers and play advocates.
The survey results will be collated into a National State of Play Report to be released in December 2021. The report will show decision makers and funders the shortfalls and inequalities in play opportunities for children at both a state and national level.
All entrants will go into the draw to win a JB Hi-Fi voucher or a Pandora bracelet both valued at $200. Deadline to submit is November 12, 2021.
The survey is available online at: https://www.variety.org.au/variety-state-of-play/