Play Deprivation

Play Deprivation is the name given to the idea that not playing may deprive children of experiences that are essential to their development and result in those affected being both biologically and socially disabled.  Bob Hughes, a writer and researcher on children's play explores the concept in a briefing produced for Play Wales in 2003.

The Welsh Assembly Government Play Policy Implementation Plan (2006) makes a commitment to commission research on the psychological benefits of freely chosen play. 

Download our briefing on Play Deprivation