Why Support Play?

Too many kids are missing out on one of the most important childhood experiences: one that can help kids grow up healthy, happy and successful.  An experience full of creativity, exploration, imagination, physical activity, friendship and adventure. The experience is PLAY.

There is a nationwide scarcity of play and we are beginning to see a stark difference between children who play and children who don't.

• Kids who play are healthier, less likely to be obese and less prone to obesity-related health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.
  • Obesity in children has increased from about 4 percent in the 1960s to close to 20 percent in 2004. (CDC, 2006)
     
• Kids who play do better in school. Play develops the cognitive skills that are positively linked to learning and academic performance.
  • Physical activity leads to stronger academic achievement, increased concentration, and improved math, reading, and writing test scores (Journal of School Health, 1997)
     
• Kids who play, play well as adults. Play builds confidence and teaches the social skills that help kids become happy, well-adjusted adults.
  • The existence of play facilities in communities reduces crime and vandalism (Hampshire R and Wilkinson S, Youth Shelters and Sports Systems: A good practice guide, Thames Valley Police, 1999)

Play matters to parents too – moms, dads, families, and communities care about the health and development of their children. (Harris Interactive Consumer Research, 2009)

• Only 41% of parents report that their children have access to a community playground.
   
• 99% of parents believe that playing outdoors and participating in unstructured play on a daily basis is at least somewhat important to the healthy development of children
   
• 96% of parents say that outdoor play is important for keeping their children physically fit.
   
• 96% of respondents believe that spending at least one hour outside each day is beneficial to a person’s health (not just for children).

To learn more about how YOU can become a part of the SOLUTION, please explore the Supporting Partners section of kaboom.org, or contact Dan Cohen at dcohen@kaboom.org.