A survey commissioned by Play England, published last Wednesday (1August) to coincide with Playday, the annual celebration of children'sright to play, organised by Play England, found that while 71 per centof adults had played outside in the street or close to their homes everyday when they were young, only 12 per cent of children today do thesame.
The survey found that traffic was the main factor stopping childrenspending time outside, followed by a shortage of available playspaces.
The theme of Playday 2007 was 'Our Streets Too', aiming to highlightchildren's right to play in their local streets. Events taking placearound the country included traditional street games, pavement art,skateboarding and cycling.
In a speech to mark Playday, Ed Balls, secretary for Children, Schoolsand Families, welcomed the event and said, 'Play is vital and should bea key part of every child's life. I recently launched the Staying Safeconsultation to find out people's views on how we can allow children toenjoy the great opportunities which are now on offer for them. I hopethat by discussing these issues we can together ensure that every childcan make the most of these opportunities, have fun and develop theirpotential to the full.'
