There is a growing concern that children are now suffering from ‘limitations’ placed on them during their play time. Children are no longer allowed the freedom of previous generations and suffer many barriers to outdoor play due to fears for safety, traffic, bullying, lack of access and ‘stranger danger’.
Children are getting fatter than ever, with almost a third of youngsters between 2 and 15 being over weight and 1 in 6 being clinically obese. Blame is being placed on social trends including changes in diet, less time spent outdoors being active and too much time spent watching tv and playing computer games. Children who are overweight are more likely to become over weight adults, suffer stress, sadness and low self esteem.
The 2005 Borough wide consultation on play showed that 53% of children said they were not allowed to go to the playground alone, whilst 81% of adults said they would not allow a child to go to the local playground alone.
A study by University College London in 2004 highlighted the benefit of play to children, placing it second only to PE at school. It concluded that
‘Playing provides children with more physical activity than most other activities’.
We therefore want to promote the benefits of children’s play to parents, carers and children themselves. Future playgrounds will be designed to encourage maximum activity as well as existing playgrounds being made cleaner and safer so parents are less fearful of letting their children ‘out to play’.
Children in Great Yarmouth now have access to over 80 playgrounds, which provide free places for fun, fitness and family.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council seeks to design innovative playgrounds, emphasising the importance on health and family. The Community Playground at Magdalen Square is a playground whereby parents and carers are encouraged to actively play on playground equipment with the children, which will not only contribute towards better health for all the family but also encourages families to spend time to together ‘having fun’.
Help US to help YOU by letting us know when things are not working
To report any damage or vandalism on children’s playgrounds or youth facilities:
Telephone: 01493 846846
Out of Hours: 01493 330369
Contact Information:
Officer: Environmental Strategy Officer
Telephone: 01493 846442
Fax: 01493 846365
E-mail: eld@great-yarmouth.gov.uk