The evidence confirms that it is important to allow children every opportunity to play, as this can benefit their physical and mental health, well-being, and social and emotional development. Play is also an invaluable part of family and community life. The study also demonstrates that while we should acknowledge the benefits of play in children’s lives, we must be cautious not to ‘instrumentalise’ play by perceiving it merely as a tool to achieve other benefits (Lester and Russell 2008). Play is a basic right for all children and is worthwhile for the enjoyment it brings to children and their families.
