40% of children say lack of activity spaces is the biggest barrier to play

Four in 10 children in Northern Ireland and Ireland say a lack of play space is the biggest barrier to their play. The finding comes from a recent survey conducted by PlayBoard NI and the National Childhood Network in the Republic of Ireland.

It also found that half of children and young people do not have enough time to play, more than a fifth have no one to play with in their area and almost a quarter are concerned about traffic. These barriers are standing in the way of children and young people’s well-being and enjoyment of their free time, as 93% agree that play is important, 81% say it makes them happy, and 50% report that it keeps them active.

With the newly formed coalition government, the two play organisations say that there is now a critical opportunity to protect, promote and prioritise children and young people’s opportunities for play and to make a positive impact on their lives.

Alan Herron, CEO of PlayBoard NI, said: “Similar to the feedback from children, our recent survey shows that children and young people need more places to play, easier access to these spaces, and more time to enjoy them.

“In 2023, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child identified a number of key actions for the Irish government.”