International Day of Play: Play Builds a Better World for Every Child

Belgrade, June 11, 2024 - Today marks the first International Day of Play, established by the United Nations General Assembly to promote and protect children's right to play.

Play is not just fun. It is crucial for brain development, strengthening family bonds, and the emotional well-being of the entire family. Through play, children develop problem-solving skills, creativity, innovation through social interactions, and confidence. Play also helps mitigate the effects of negative childhood experiences, making it a foundation for a healthy and happy life.

Unfortunately, the right to play is not accessible to every child, directly impacting their development. Data for Europe and Central Asia show that a quarter of young children are not adequately stimulated in early childhood, and only 15% of fathers, compared to 50% of mothers, provide stimulation at home. Just four out of ten young children (38%) have at least three age-appropriate books, and nearly three-quarters (73%) have two or more play items at home.

This is why UNICEF in Serbia supports home visiting services, pediatricians, developmental counseling, and educators, as well as the establishment of parenting schools to provide parents with support based on the latest scientific evidence on child development. From 2020 to 2023, over 60,000 parents participated in these programs, including an increasing number of fathers. The Bebbo mobile app for parents, launched in 2022, has helped over 100,000 parents in Serbia better support their children's development.

International Day of Play is an opportunity to highlight the importance of:

• Universal access to evidence-based parenting support programs and services;
• Universal access to quality and inclusive early childhood education, including learning through play;
• Protecting public spaces and the environment from climate change, conflicts, and urbanization, to ensure safe places for children to play.

Play is a biological imperative for every child and the foundation of cognitive, social, and emotional development. Exploration, adventure, and collaboration among children through play encourage them to learn the skills needed for the 21st century. In the long term, play drives social and economic progress. Much of the genius, creativity, and perseverance that change the world for the better start in childhood, through play.