The Association of
Play Industries attended the launch of the ‘Mental Health in Childhood’ report
at the APPG on a Fit & Healthy Childhood at Westminster.
The All-Party Group
was formed to find ways to improve children’s health and wellbeing and is
calling for a positive approach to the Government’s Child Mental Health
proposals.
Publishing this its
10th report: ‘Mental Health in Childhood,’ the APPG is championing early
intervention rather than relying upon expensive later-stage crisis services.
API Chair Mark
Hardy, says: “As the UK association which champions the importance of play in
children’s healthy development, we very much welcome the Group’s call for a
Secretary of State for Children.
“As a nation we face
an unprecedented increase in children and young people suffering from mental
health problems, from anxiety to depression, and these issues are very often
precursors for mental health difficulties in adult life.
“Our own research
has uncovered an alarming decline in playgrounds and spaces in which children
can play freely. As more and more children retreat indoors, alone and engaging
primarily with their tablets and phones, their mental health is suffering.
“In this APPG report
we present the case for halting this decline and providing the facilities
children need in order to play before it is too late. Play is integral to the
happiness and wellbeing of young people – it is not a luxury we can afford to
cut back on.
“A Minister for
Children would be a clear signal that the Government is prioritising the
welfare of children in this country. To be a child is to play and harsh
restrictions on their opportunities to do so are damaging. We will
continue to champion play as a vital component of children’s healthy mental,
emotional and physical development.”
