Staff at Flintshire County Council’s Play Unit, which is currently conducting a year-long ‘childhood memories of playing’ survey, say they’ve been overwhelmed by the quality of responses they’ve had from the public so far.
The Play Unit is taking part in a regional campaign across North East Wales, in conjunction with Denbighshire County Council, Wrexham County Borough Council and NEW Play, the regional organisation for children’s play. The survey runs until the end of the year and is aimed at raising the profile and understanding of children’s play.
People of all ages across Flintshire are being encouraged to re-live their play experiences and memories from when they were children.
So far the team has received 360 responses to their ‘play memories’ questionnaire, which is helping to prompt those memories of playing experiences. It’s hoped that the information collected will enable comparisons to be drawn between the games played, the level of freedom enjoyed and play experiences.
Janet Roberts, Play Development Officer, said:
“We’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who’s filled in the questionnaire so far.
“The quality of responses we’ve had has been truly overwhelming, and people have been providing full and considered responses in terms of how times have changed for children and young people.
“The community in Flintshire are telling us, through their responses, how children and young people have lost their ‘freedom’.
“A lot of responses are saying that today’s children have their outdoor play restricted in some way, often because of concerns from worried parents about criminal activity, or perceived criminal activity. Technology and social networking sites are cited as some of the reasons that children may be more likely to stay indoors. Increased traffic is also causing safety concerns for parents and guardians.
“We feel these responses are showing that there’s a real need for the services we provide, particularly with regard to freely chosen play and access to public open space.”
Some of the comments include:
“Children have to be a lot more careful about where they play and who they play with.”
“Children aren’t allowed to do as much, people are almost too careful. Too many computer games.”
“Children today have no freedom to play like we did. I don’t feel safe letting my children go to parks on their own.”
“Fewer safe environments because of amount of traffic and less people around on streets generally to watch out for children. Children are in institutional activity from morning to night… rather than free outdoors… Children could be growing up to be risk averse or unable to weigh up risks. Too many hours in virtual world/ alternative reality of computers.”
“There are false perceptions that there are demons round every corner. This over-reaction stifles development and awareness and inhibits survival techniques and self will.”
Some of those questioned said that there is more choice of play for children today, and that there is an increase in structured and organised activities.
“There is much more to do now, skate parks etc.”
“There are lots more things for children to do today.”
NEW Play will also take this information as part of their presentation to the IPA World Conference in Cardiff, in July.
The Play Memories questionnaire can be found online at www.flintshire.gov.uk by searching for ‘play memories’. Alternatively, complete a ‘Play Memories’ postcard which can be found in Flintshire libraries, hospitals, doctors, and community centres, or contact Janet Roberts via email [email protected] or on 01352 702456.
