RCH poll shows families need more help to reap the benefits of play for children

A national poll of parents and carers has found that families need more help to reap the benefits of play for their children. 

The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) National Child Health Poll showed that, while families understand the critical role of play in their children’s learning, they often don’t know how to make play happen. 

Playgroup Australia CEO Dr Amanda Walsh said the research findings are “really encouraging” because they demonstrate that 94 per cent of parents understand that play is important, and contributes to their child’s physical wellbeing and brain development. 

“The messages about early learning and development are definitely being heard by parents,’” she continued, “but these messages are not always being heeded, for a lot of compelling reasons.”

According to the National Child Health Poll report: 

• Most parents (86 per cent) say it’s hard to find time to play with their children  

• Half of parents (50 per cent) are not confident they can help their child to play 

More than one-third of parents (35 per cent) think play is better when it involves toys, but an equal number say that toys are too expensive. 

The results, Dr Walsh said, send a clear message – parents need more help to support their children’s play.  

“We urge every parent and carer of a young child to contact their local playgroup, for opportunities to engage in play with their child in a fun and supportive environment.”

For those who want to play at home, families can visit the Play + Learn Together website for step-by-step advice on how to create great play experiences for next-to-no money. 

“We owe it to children and their families to invest in play-based learning – at home, in the community and everywhere that children are present. Particularly in the first five years of life, play builds the skills that sustain children through life,” Dr Walsh said. 

The National Child Health Poll is available here.