Ad Feedback

Playtime too important to mess with - expert

AAP
Last updated 05:00 05/11/2009

Relevant offers

Wellbeing

Olivia Newton-John lets rip over breast exams It's cool to be hot Zinc is in Hot yoga - work-out or gross-out? Graveyard shift: Night work linked to cancer Record number of deaths recorded - Statistics NZ Mammograms not recommended till age 50 Depression following birth 'normal', survey finds Pregnancy 'less risky' in relationship STDs - The passion killers

A loss of playtime in early childhood is creating an epidemic of Australian children suffering depression and mental illness, an adolescent psychologist says.

About one in four young people battle a mental illness before they reach the age of 18.

Adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg says it's important children learn resilience in their early years and this can be done effectively through play.

"Children teach themselves to crawl, stand and walk through repetitious practice play," Dr Carr-Gregg said.

"At the preschool level, children engage in dramatic play and learn who is a leader, who is a follower, who is outgoing, who is shy.

"They also learn to negotiate their own conflicts."

Play not only promotes social skills but children who receive an enriched, play-oriented parenting and early childhood program have higher IQs at age five than other children deprived of such experience, Dr Carr-Gregg said.

An unintended consequence of technological development is that children have moved indoors.

"Children who might once have enjoyed a pick-up game of football now watch the game on TV, sitting on their couch," he said.

An increase in the number of working parents has contributed to children spending their free time in adult-oriented activities instead of childhood play, he said.

Ad Feedback
Ad Feedback
Special offers
Opinion poll

How often are you in a bad mood?

Every day

Once a week

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Vote Result

Related story: (See story)

Featured Promotions