Brussels, 05/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - Play is a fundamental requirement of children, it is vital for their development, well-being and learning, stressed the participants of a conference held at the European Parliament last week. “Play is very important for children to learn, communicate, socialise and develop. Learning and playing go hand in hand”, said MEP Anna Maria Corazza (EPP, Sweden), who chaired the event.
Those taking part, who included present members of the European Parliament, members of the European Commission, psychologists and members of child rights and protection associations, all call for Europe to play a more active role in promoting play among children. They recommend action at European Union level to launch an informal platform to encourage the member states to ensure that children continue to exercise their fundamental right to play. “It is a right of our children and youth. We need to enable an appropriate play environment for children, especially in a time of crisis”, said Despina Spanou, of DG Health and Consumers of the Commission. George Zisimos, a member of the cabinet of Commissioner for Education Androulla Vassiliou said: “At a time when educators are under increasing pressure to meet targets and achieve high scores, the role of play-based learning in quality early childhood education should not be disregarded”. The experts stressed the negative consequences of play deprivation for the social and psychological development of the child. The toy industry stressed the need for discussion between the European decision-makers to further promote play in children, also encouraging this discussion in society as a whole. “Play benefits society; we cannot afford to trivialise it. Investing in quality play opportunities is an investment in Europe's future”, said Catherine Van Reeth, Director General of Toy Industries for Europe (TIE). (IL/transl.fl)