Celebrating the International Day of Play

The importance of play
Play is the most natural thing that children and young people do and it is a fundamental right, enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Play is a biological, psychological and social necessity that is essential to the healthy growth, development and well-being of individuals and communities. Every child and young person needs the time, space and permission to play. On 11 June, PlayBoard NI is encouraging families, schools, youth settings, childcare settings, and communities to join the worldwide celebration of the power of play.

Get involved
Help PlayBoard make the first International Day of Play one to remember and allow children and young people to enjoy extra time for play on this special day. Take a look at this year's Summer of Play Challenge (bit.ly/SoPChallenge24) for traditional play ideas for inspiration and reflect on, and share your favourite play memories – the freedom you felt, the friends you made, and the fun you enjoyed. We all have an opportunity to consider how we can implement improvements for children and young people today. As PlayBoard continues to work to secure a Play Strategy for Northern Ireland, you can add your voice to the play movement and get involved on social media using #InternationalDayofPlay

Children & young people survey
Share PlayBoard's short survey for children and young people in Northern Ireland on the state of play. Go to bit.ly/DayofPlaySurvey by 3 June.

The survey will allow children and young people in Northern Ireland to have their say on how important play is to them, the types of things they like to play and what, if anything, stops them playing as much as they would like.

Find out more about the International Day of Play at www.internationaldayofplay.org