In 2002, the Welsh Assembly Government produced a Play Policy for Children and Families. This stated, in slightly grandiose language, that ‘Children exhibit a behavioural imperative and instinctive desire to play…they use play in the natural environment to learn the way of the world… It is the very process of learning and growth and as such all that is learnt through it is of benefit to the child.’
The policy goes on to state that ‘Play is so critically important to all children in the development of their physical, social, mental, emotional and creative skills that society should seek every opportunity to support it and create an environment that fosters it. Decision making at all levels of government should include a consideration of the impact of those decisions, on children’s opportunities to play.’
What this is trying to say is that a vital part of the developmental process in children is play. It allows them to develop communication and social skills, learn about their environment and become more confident in their own abilities.
This process takes place in a number of different surroundings, not necessarily just at school or in the family home. It also leads to an early enjoyment of physical activity and helps to prevent obesity later in life.
A paper produced by Play Wales outlines the effects that not having enough play has on children. This condition is called Play Deprivation and whilst data on the impact of not playing is rare, the findings from studies that do exist all highlight the following theories:
1. If normal play experiences are absent throughout a child’s life, that child is more likely to become highly violent and anti-social, regardless of demography.
2. If children are kept in and not allowed out to play, they experience play deprivation and are likely to manifest symptoms ranging from aggression and repressed emotions and social skills, to an increased risk of obesity.
3. When children are chronically play deprived as one aspect of a life of almost continuous sensory deprivation, they suffer symptoms ranging from depression and withdrawal to a gradual loss of all electrical activity in the brain.
Whilst other factors – lack of human contact and other forms of sensory deprivation – undoubtedly played the major part in creating the condition suffered by the children described above, the fact that they were unable to play during what has become known as the ‘sensitive period’ for neurological growth between the ages of 0 and 7, would also have been a significant contributory factor. Although other factors, like diet and the quality of care have an obvious affect, the predominant influence on children’s lives for much of this period is how and where they play. Lessons learnt during this time help children and young people continuously through their lives and if a child suffers from play deprivation they will be disadvantaged in later life trying to deal with everyday situations and other people.
The recent Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Strategy consultation with young people included a workshop on health and exercise. This provided some interesting results from the young people across a range of questions:
Participants were asked to consider a number of questions around exercise using a number of methods including brainstorming, floor cards and diamond 9 ranking.
All groups were given the same basic questions with opportunity to expand on emerging themes
Methods used are in brackets.
1) What does the term exercise mean to you?
(Brainstorm ideas – write on board)
Keeping fit, walking ,moving, running, keep active, yoga, sweating, running about, breaking bones, getting heart rate up, having fun, football, socialising, skinny, fitness, fat, good heart rate, normal pulse, healthy heart, dance, swimming, sport, getting active, activities
2) How often do you exercise every week?
(Using activity line and floor cards)
1-2 times a week: 4 respondents
3-5 times a week: 11 respondents
Every day: 5 respondents
Less than once a week: 2 respondents
Never: 3 respondents
3) What are the current recommended weekly exercise levels?
(Using floor cards participants were asked to identify recommended weekly exercise levels from the following options)
30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 times a week
30 minutes of rigorous exercise twice a week
1 hour of moderate exercise every day
20 minutes of moderate exercise every day
10 respondents answered correctly
What sort of exercise do you do?
(Brainstorm)
running, dance, rugby, volley/basketball, badminton, weight lifting, walk, jogging, kick-boxing, boxercise, running, aerobics, swimming, cleaning, housework, football, unicycling, mowing lawns, strider, yoga, circuit training, looking after a child, work, lovemaking, gymnastics, netball squash, tennis
Where?
(Brainstorm)
School Youth club
At home House
Park Rhydycar
Baths Workplace
Fields/Astroturf Crèche
What are the barriers?
(Brainstorm ideas – write on board)
Lunchtime is not enough time for outdoor activities, PE once a week;
Gym is intimidating; In school – not an option for age 16+; Laziness;
No motivation; TV; Find better things to do; Cost – membership and interest; If young carer you can’t leave home; Not enough places to do it; Can’t afford kit; Should have discount; Not enough range; Time; Transport; Safety – especially during dark evenings; Loss of green spaces through development; Weather
What would encourage you to take more exercise?
Beginners’ classes; Cheaper; Doing it with people you know; Cleaner Facilities; Y/P friendly; Warm & welcoming; A good swimming pool; Better transport to facilities; Specialised classes; Different age group workshops/ classes; Beginners’ classes in gym; walking/cycling etc; More fun activities – dance, trampolining; Local community centre – cater for older people; Separate age groups; Fun; Different activities; Gender specific sports; Nicer PE teachers in school; Not having to wear uniform; Young people’s gym; Subsidised residentials; More reliable transport; More classes e.g. yoga; Outdoor activities i.e. Rock climbing; protect green spaces; What about locally in community centre? – limited opening time in Gurnos
Summary
Generally levels of exercise were low for those not involved in organised team sport, although they appreciated that exercise could take many forms.
There seemed to be a general decline in exercise levels post 16. There was a combination of reasons including no compulsory PE sessions within school, less time due to studies/work. Many felt there should be activities targeted at this age group as they didn’t want to mix with younger age groups, but were intimidated joining adult classes or gyms. Levels of supervision within adult gyms were a concern, with many young people wanting extra help and/or beginners classes.
Cost was a major issue, especially the combination of activity and transport costs with many complaints about local bus charges. Initiatives such as free swimming stop at 16.
There was a great deal of enthusiasm around trying new outdoor activities such as climbing or canoeing, but cost and transport cited as a major barrier.
Generally more accessible activities such as walking and cycling were seen as ‘boring’ unless part of a more ‘fun’ event such as a sponsored event or treasure hunt for example.
The other major issue was the range of activities with different sessions such as dance or trampolines requested.
Young people stated a number of issues that had put them off PE in school, ranging from unpleasant PE staff to being made to undertake sessions outside in poor weather conditions. Both sexes, although more girls, complained about school PE kits with many requests to be allowed to wear own tracksuits. There was praise for initiatives such as the 5x60 programme, but participants complained that lunch breaks were not long enough to easily participate and they felt there could be more consultation with young people around activity choices.
There was a general feeling that facilities within the Borough were not well promoted with any advertising directed firmly at adults.
In addition, young people felt they were not consulted about what LA leisure services provided. There were also a number of comments criticising the loss of green spaces and playing fields for development.