Published on: 31/08/18
The report, which surveyed nearly 13,000 parents and children in nine countries, uncovered the state of play. Other findings include:
- The power of play to help children learn is indisputable for parents with almost all (95%) believing play is essential for children’s wellbeing and a vital educational tool.
- Three-quarters (76%) of parents rank playful learning as the number one educational technique, over reading books (67%), classroom teaching (55%), interacting with friends (65%) and surfing the internet (22%).
- Adults and children equally feel the benefits of playing together. Parents say play is good for their own well-being (91%) and happiness (72%) and that it even helps them feel more relaxed (86%) and connected to their children (64%).
- Almost all children surveyed say play makes them feel happy (93%) and helps them relax after a long day at school (87%).
The report also covered digital play and Dr Elena Hoicka, Senior Lecturer in Psychology in Education at the University of Bristol, said:
“While many parents feel their children’s preference for digital play is getting in the way of what they see as better, typically more traditional activities, the truth is the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
“More than previous generations, kids today see the digital and real worlds as part of one big, interconnected play space. To make the most of their time playing together, parents need to adopt this fluid mindset too.”
Lego has published the full report, 10 principles to inspire families to play well and an infographic.
