They are calling on the government to take advantage of the pause created by the pandemic to think afresh about childhood beyond the narrow lens of academic attainment and bring a halt to the increasing âschoolificationâ of young lives.
âHuge numbers of children have had a miserable year,â said Tim Gill, author and advocate for childrenâs play. âI hope one of the things the pandemic might prompt is a step back to allow a holistic look at childrenâs lives and wellbeing.â
This week the British Childrenâs Play survey showed todayâs youngsters are having to wait longer before they are allowed to play outside on their own â they are typically 11, while their parents were two years younger â and often engage in less adventurous play than previous generations.