International Day of Play 2025

International Day of Play 2025: Why Play Is Vital for Every Child’s Development: This Wednesday, June 11, marks the United Nations’ International Day of Play – a global initiative to preserve, promote, and prioritise play as an essential human right, particularly for children.

Play is more than a pastime — it’s a vital force in early development. It helps build resilience, confidence, creativity, and social skills, and plays a critical role in both mental and physical wellbeing. Two experts from Curtin University are calling for a renewed focus on inclusive, accessible play for all children, including those with disabilities, and for a more nuanced view of how digital play can support development.

“Play is like a child’s occupation”

Associate Professor Sian Williams, from Curtin University’s School of Allied Health, has spent years researching physical activity in children, including those living with cerebral palsy and other movement-related disabilities. She describes play as “a child’s occupation” — a meaningful activity essential to their development.

“All kids deserve the right to play,” says Professor Williams. “For many children with disabilities, opportunities for movement and inclusive play simply aren’t the same as for their peers. Improving a child’s fitness isn’t so they can win a race — it’s to enable them to join in, to keep up with friends in playground games, and to enjoy the same developmental benefits that come with movement-based play.”

According to Professor Williams, lower fitness levels among children with disabilities often lead to preventable secondary health conditions, such as obesity and cardiovascular issues. These risks can be mitigated through more inclusive and accessible physical activity options, giving every child the chance to participate in everyday games and build friendships, confidence, and independence.

“Content and context matter”

Dr Danica Hendry, a researcher in Curtin University’s School of Education, focuses on children’s screen use and the role digital technology plays in development. While screen time is often viewed negatively, Dr Hendry urges families to take a more constructive and contextual approach.

“When people think of children and digital technologies, they often imagine passive, sedentary screen use,” Dr Hendry explains. “But it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s not just about how much time children spend on screens, but what they’re engaging with, and why.”

Dr Hendry points out that digital media can spark physical and imaginative play. “An episode of Bluey, for instance, can inspire kids to build cubby houses or create obstacle courses — blending screen time with physical and social engagement. Technology can be a tool to enhance creativity and movement.”

She also advocates for helping children build autonomy around screen use, with appropriate guidance from adults. “Scaffolding children’s skills with digital technologies helps them grow into confident users — not just passive consumers.”

Creating Conditions for Play to Thrive

Both experts agree that the benefits of play extend well beyond physical development. Play supports emotional regulation, problem-solving, and identity formation — essential elements of childhood wellbeing.

However, many children face barriers to play, including time constraints, safety concerns, and lack of access to inclusive spaces. Children with disabilities often face these challenges to an even greater extent.

So what can parents do?

“Prioritise unstructured play time,” says Dr Hendry. “Be open to different types of play — whether it’s rough and tumble, creative, or digital. Support your child’s curiosity and allow space for self-directed activity.”

And as Professor Williams reminds us, “Fitness and movement aren’t about performance. They’re about participation, connection, and confidence.”

On this International Day of Play, let’s recognise play as a necessity — not a luxury — for every child.