News Play as a Child Health Preventive Strategy Healthy play is far more than just a recreational activity for children, it is a fundamental building block of health and wellbeing. From supporting physical activity to strengthening mental health, social skills, and emotional development, healthy play is one of the most effective preventive health strategies for children and young people. Through play, children explore their world, build relationships, develop resilience, and learn how to manage their feelings. These experiences lay the foundation for healthy development now and into the future. Why Healthy Play Matters for Child Development and Mental Health While the benefits of play are well known, recent research shows a growing concern. A report from the Royal Children’s Hospital Australia found that 45% of children don’t play outside most days, and as children get older, screen time increases while active, outdoor play decreases. This shift has serious implications for mental health, physical activity levels, and social development. Reduced opportunities for play can increase stress, limit peer connection, and impact children’s overall wellbeing. Supporting Healthy Play Through Early Childhood Education and Community Programs Michelle Barry, Healthy Cities’ Team Leader for Child Health Promotion, highlights two key programs where Healthy Cities supports children’s development through play, using playwork principles as a foundation. Active In-Betweens: Physical Activity and Healthy Play Active In-Betweens is a healthy living program for children aged 8–12 years, delivered across five communities in the Illawarra. The program is designed to encourage physical activity, connection, and fun through both structured and unstructured play. The World Health Organization recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day for children. Play provides a natural, enjoyable way to meet this guideline. Our Active In-Betweens program combines games, movement, creativity, and social play to support children’s physical, social, and emotional development. 94% of children reported they move more because they attend Active In-Betweens (Term 3, 2024) 94% of participants felt more socially connected, based on evaluation data overseen by First Person Consulting in partnership with the Community Drug Action Team Beyond physical benefits, interactive play helps children build social skills such as sharing, cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution, essential tools for navigating relationships throughout life. Play also plays a critical role in mental health. Regular physical activity, creativity, and peer interaction help children manage stress, reduce anxiety, and process emotions in a healthy way. Active In-Betweens facilitators are trained in health promotion through play, supporting children’s wellbeing now and into the future. Play Illawarra: Access to Safe Outdoor Spaces and Healthy Play To ensure play serves its role as a preventive health strategy, parents, caregivers, educators, and communities need access to environments that encourage play. This includes: Safe outdoor spaces Reduced screen time Opportunities for structured and unstructured play Access to local resources and services The Illawarra is fortunate to have over 270 playgrounds, along with many free community events and family-friendly activities. However, community feedback identified a key barrier, families didn’t know where to find play spaces and events. Play Illawarra and the Local Health District Play Illawarra was created as a Healthy Cities initiative, in collaboration with Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, and Shoalhaven Councils, which together form the local health district. Play Illawarra is the online go-to resource for families, making it easier to: Discover playgrounds and healthy play spaces Find free and low-cost community events Connect with services that support children, parents, and carers Reduce barriers to play and connection within local communities The aim is to support healthy play, encourage families to get active together, and strengthen community connection across the Illawarra. Healthy Play for the Future of Our Community Healthy play is a simple yet powerful way to support children’s physical health, mental wellbeing, and social development. By encouraging play at home, in schools, and across communities, we help children build resilience, confidence, and strong relationships. By advocating for strategies, programs, and policies that support healthy play for all children, regardless of age, ability, background, or culture, we are investing in the long-term health and wellbeing of our community. Healthy play is not just about today’s fun. It is about creating a healthier future for children, families, and communities across the Illawarra.