International Day of Play: Give Screens a Rest, Let Kids Play

What is the International Day of Play and why was it created?

The United Nations set 11 June as the International Day of Play to remind families, schools, and governments that every child has the right to free, joyful play. The day shines a spotlight on play as essential—not optional—for healthy growth. By marking this date, communities are urged to create safe spaces, protect after-school hours, and rethink schedules that push children toward screens instead of swing sets.

Why is play important for children?

Regular play strengthens bodies, sharpens minds, and builds kind hearts. Running, jumping, climbing, and chasing improve muscle tone, balance, and heart health, lowering long-term risks such as obesity. Team games and playground chats teach sharing, turn-taking, and problem-solving. Imaginative play—building forts or staging puppet shows—boosts creativity and self-confidence. Put simply, a playful child is more likely to become a resilient, curious adult.

Why are children not playing enough today?

Many kids now swap outdoor fun for screens. Auto-play videos, social feeds, and endless games fill hours once spent outside. Busy schedules, safety concerns, and limited green spaces play a role, but smartphones remain the biggest thief of playtime. To change this trend, parents must understand how to reduce screen time of children and commit to routines that naturally reduce screentime of children each day.

How is the lack of play impacting children?

When play drops, fitness falls. Children who sit more have weaker muscles and higher chances of gaining excess weight. Limited face-to-face play may slow social-skill growth and leave some kids feeling isolated. Too much digital time can also shorten attention spans, making real-world tasks feel dull. Over time, this imbalance can affect school performance, mood, and overall well-being.

Why managing screen time boosts play

Turning off devices opens space for adventure. Clear rules that manage screen time of kids—like no screens until after outdoor play—encourage sports, pretend games, and creative hobbies. Reducing evening use improves sleep quality, giving children more energy to explore the next day. Simple steps to manage smartphone exposure can shift habits from passive viewing to active playing.

How parents can manage screen time better

1. Set a “play first” rule: homework and at least 60 minutes of outdoor fun before any screen.

2. Create device-free zones: park phones outside bedrooms and dining rooms.

3. Use built-in timers or a trusted parental-control app to block apps on smartphones after a set limit.

4. Model balance: let children see you choose a board game or a walk instead of scrolling.

5. Schedule fun: mark park visits or family sports on the calendar like any appointment.

These steps show how to reduce screen time of children without constant arguments, making it easier to manage smartphone exposure and give kids more time for real-world play.

Conclusion

The International Day of Play reminds us that children thrive on unstructured, active play—not endless screen time. Set limits, encourage outdoor games, and use smart tools to block distracting apps. A balanced child—active, social, and curious—is the best gift any parent can give.