AS Jamaica observed Child Month, we celebrated the potential, creativity, and resilience of our nation’s children. Yet beneath the celebrations lies an uncomfortable question: where do our children play?

In many Jamaican communities, parks, playgrounds, and green spaces are noticeably lacking. Empty lots that could be used for playgrounds are being replaced by high-rise buildings, leaving little room for the simple, yet essential experience of outdoor play.  Consequently, for some children, the streets become the only option—a space that is often unsafe, unsupervised, and unsuitable for healthy development. This raises an important national concern.

Over the past five to 10 years, Jamaica has witnessed consistent urban development, characterised by the construction of numerous high-rise apartment complexes. However, these high-rises are rarely designed with children in mind, and only a few include play areas for them. As a result, there is a notable lack of consideration for the needs of children in these developments. Whereas development is necessary for the growth of our economy, it must also be intentional and inclusive. While Jamaica is building up, we are leaving our children behind; as a result, we are increasingly raising an indoor generation. Children are spending more time on screens and experiencing a decrease in social interaction, which impacts their creativity, health, imagination, and social skills.

Outdoor play is crucial for children’s development, providing numerous opportunities to strengthen their muscles, engage with their environment, and improve social interactions. By participating in activities such as jumping, climbing, and skipping, children significantly improve their balance and coordination, fostering a powerful sense of competence and accomplishment. As they engage in these activities, they not only become more aware of the world around them but also learn to observe and utilise their senses, setting the foundation for lifelong skills.

Overview of play theory

Several play theorists, such as Lev Vygotsky, Jean Piaget, and David Sobel, emphasise that unstructured, nature-based play is essential for holistic child development. Vygotsky developed the theory of social interaction and “scaffolding” (Zone of Proximal Development). He emphasised that outdoor spaces foster social skills and problem-solving, allowing children to solve complex social issues in a natural environment.

Piaget argued that children learn through interacting with their environment, constructing their own understanding of the world. His theory suggests that outdoor play provides the freedom and space necessary for building cognitive skills, problem-solving, and creativity.

Sobel identified that high-quality, free-range outdoor play fosters specific themes or principles globally, arguing that children need a “nature-play” connection to develop ecological empathy and imaginative skills.

UNICEF conducted a study in several different countries from 2022 to 2025, highlighting the significance of outdoor play and its benefits for children. The study found that spending time in green spaces can improve children’s physical, mental, and emotional health, enhance learning, and even help reduce ADHD symptoms. Children who play more in areas like parks or gardens have better focus, less stress, and stronger emotional resilience (UNICEF, 2025).

The World Health Organization recommends that children aged one to four be physically active for at least three hours a day, while children aged five to 17 get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity a day. However, they note that more is better. This can help prevent childhood obesity and associated diseases later in life. Children who engage in outdoor play have a lower body mass index (BMI) compared to those who spend less time outside.

Decline in outdoor play

In an article published in the Sage Journal 2024, the authors stated that over the past few decades, there has been a significant decline in children’s outdoor play. Several factors contribute to this shift, including the rise of technology, increased academic pressures, safety concerns and changing societal attitudes due to COVID-19. The allure of digital entertainment has drawn children indoors, captivating their attention for hours. Additionally, schools have increased academic demands, leaving children with limited free time for unstructured outdoor play. Parents, too, may feel pressured to prioritise academics over play, inadvertently limiting their children’s outdoor experiences. Moreover, growing safety concerns and a general perception of the outdoors as risky have led to overprotective parenting practices, further restricting children’s access to outdoor play (Charan et al, 2024).

From a mental health perspective, children must have safe environments that allow them to release energy, process their emotions, and fully embrace their childhood. In the absence of such outlets, we may observe a rise in behavioural challenges, anxiety, restlessness, social disconnection, and possible chronic illness. Children who are navigating trauma, depression, and anxiety can significantly benefit from outdoor play, as exposure to nature has been shown to enhance their mood.

As a child, I remember that play was inevitable. We didn’t have special equipment, but we had the hillsides, the backyard, the cane fields, and lots of green spaces where we would slide, roll, and swing. I cannot recall hearing about childhood obesity or diseases. Outdoor play and nature were our friends, and the weather did not matter; rain or shine, we played.

So, are we doing enough to ensure that our children have safe, accessible recreational spaces to play? Many would answer no. Play is not a luxury; it is essential for children’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development, as well as a vital way to relieve stress.

UNICEF launched the “Child Friendly Cities” (CFC) initiative in 1996, aiming to promote the creation of urban environments—such as building quality public playgrounds—where children can play, learn, and grow. To date, the Child-Friendly Cities initiative has been launched in 38 countries and continues to grow. Can Jamaica adapt a similar initiative by building quality public playgrounds for our children? Yes, we can with help. Notably, Jamaica currently has one national park, Emancipation Park, which was not truly designed with children in mind. Children need their own park with their own equipment that will cater to their needs.

Reclaiming space for our children

Let us reclaim space for our children to play. Some practical strategies are proposed. The collaboration involves the government, non-governmental organisations, the church, parents and local communities. We need to re-evaluate priorities to strike a balance between screen time and outdoor activities.  Educate parents about the benefits of outdoor play. Schools and communities to collaborate and advocate for policies and safe places for our children to play. With durable materials, high-density plastic, power-coated steel and age-appropriate.  Members of the communities are to care for and maintain these play spaces. For the play area to be inclusive and accommodate children with various disabilities. Investing in these spaces helps children experience a more well-rounded childhood. It creates healthier communities, which can lead to better educational outcomes, family time and neighbourhood connections.

Children are a gift, and their well-being reflects the values of a society. Scripture reminds us in Psalm 127:3, “Children are a heritage from the Lord.” If this is so, then providing safe environments for children to play is not just a social responsibility, but a moral one. Because a nation that values its children must create space for them not just to learn and survive, but to play, grow, and flourish. In the end, building futures is not only about erecting buildings, but it is also about creating environments where children can truly live.

Sophia Francis, MA, is an associate counselling psychologist. E-mail her at wisdomforlife2020@gmail.com.

Sophia Francis