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THIS. It's going to take a massive push to make it happen. Not just from govt either. It's a cultural change that everyone is going to need to help with. Creeping attitudes that were already strong pre-Covid need to be reversed. /1
https://amp.theguardian.com/society/2021/feb/13/call-for-summer-of-play-to-help-english-pupils-recover-from-covid-stress?__twitter_impression=true
https://amp.theguardian.com/society/2021/feb/13/call-for-summer-of-play-to-help-english-pupils-recover-from-covid-stress?__twitter_impression=true
The pandemic has solidified the attitude that children shouldn't be 'playing out' on streets, they shouldn't really be in public at all without adults. They're too...y'know...unpredictable.
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Meanwhile the education world has been compelled to join forces with the tech industry to keep kids in the addictive grip of a life lived virtually. This is WAY too powerful for parents to tackle themselves by just 'restricting screen time'.
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Parents want kids to be out and doing what they developmentally need to be doing (taking risks, having adventures, becoming strong, sorting out arguments, having real fun and friendships) but won't do it unless there are public spaces that feel both SAFE and WELCOMING of kids. /4
So yes, more parks, more support, more play initiatives. But also - more smiles and check-ins with kids you vaguely know. More streets where neighbours tolerate the inconvenience and the risk they might need to deal with a cut knee. /5
More encouragement for infinitely anxious parents who gave been forced to fully privatize their responsibility for their children's lives and wellbeing this year. Congratulate them when they manage to let go, and do what you can to pick up a little bit of the slack. /fin
