Reclaiming Childhood: Why We Need to Bring Free Play Back Outside

In this compelling interview with Ingrid Skeels from Playing Out, host Sophia Giblin explores the vital issue of bringing free outdoor play back into children’s daily lives. As part of the grassroots Playing Out movement, Ingrid has witnessed firsthand the benefits street play can offer - from improved health and social skills for kids to stronger neighbourhood connections. She explains how we’ve gone from a time when playing outside was considered a normal part of childhood to today’s reality full of traffic dangers, lack of community spaces, and disappearing freedom for modern children.  Key Takeaways: Outdoor free play used to be an everyday norm for children, but over recent decades it has declined significantly due to environmental changes like increased traffic, lack of community spaces or permission to play in them (i.e. No Ball Games); and, in parallel indoors, the  rise of screens. This decline has negatively impacted children's health, development, and wellbeing. The Playing Out movement aims to reclaim streets and community spaces for outdoor play. It was started by parents closing their street to traffic for a few hours a week so kids could play freely outside. This simple act brought communities together and had real benefits for kids. Traffic dangers are a major barrier to outdoor play these days. Reducing speeds to 20mph in residential areas would have a huge impact, as would initiatives like school streets that reduce traffic outside schools. Play shouldn't be a privilege for only some children. It needs to be an everyday possibility for all kids, especially those facing disadvantages who often lack access to organised activities. Giving kids independence and opportunities to take risks, problem solve, and build resilience through outdoor play provides an important foundation for adulthood. Call to Action: An important government inquiry exploring children's access to outdoor spaces and freedom to play outside launched recently, in response to a call from Playing Out and other organisations. Playing Out contributed written and oral evidence on the major barriers facing UK children today and on what local and national government could do to improve things. Check out the details of the inquiry on the Playing Out website here.