Beyond the screen: why 2026 is the year to bring play back.

Across Australia, conversations about children’s wellbeing often circle around the same themes: rising screen time, declining physical activity, and the pressure on families to juggle competing demands. But when we step back and listen, really listen, to young people themselves, a more hopeful story emerges. One where play is not a luxury, but a lifeline. One where communities like Kiama are showing what’s possible when we prioritise playful, healthy environments. And one where the shift in children’s screen habits signals both a challenge and an opportunity. 

From a Healthy Cities Australia perspective, the message is clear: play is public health infrastructure. And 2026 is the year we clearly focus on this.  

In our recent Youth Programs, alongside Cooking and skateboarding, we talked to young people about their play needs. When we ask young people what they need to thrive, their answers included: 

• More unstructured spaces where they can gather without being moved on 
• Naturerich environments that feel safe, welcoming, and free 
• Places to be active that aren’t competitive or adultcontrolled 
• Opportunities to shape their own neighbourhoods 

Young people described play not as something they “grow out of,” but something that evolves, into hanging out, exploring, moving, creating, and connecting. But there is an awareness that adults are not always supportive of that when using Playspaces. One young person commented:

“I would go to the playground more I still actually like it but I don’t feel adults want me there especially if young children are there, they look at me weirdly or move away” 

Let’s Play Kiama: A community play event that shows what’s possible.

The Let’s Play Kiama community play event has become a standout example of what happens when a town embraces play as a shared responsibility. It wasn’t just a festival; it was a living demonstration of what a playful community can look like. 

Families, teens, and children of all ages spilled into Hindmarsh Playground in the centre of Kiama to build from cardboard, dance, explore creativity and Play! Local organisations collaborated, adults rediscovered the joy of play alongside their kids and importantly, the community connected through play supporting their children and their own health and wellbeing.  

1. Play flourishes when communities remove barriers 

When locations are safe, when facilitate but don’t control and when materials are open-ended, children show us what they’re capable of. 

2. Intergenerational play strengthens community bonds 

Play isn’t just for kids. When adults join in, empathy grows, stress drops, and neighbourhoods feel more connected. We had lovely examples of multi-generations playing together. 

3. Local governments can lead by modelling play friendly policy 

Kiama’s commitment to playability—through support of the event, planning, and partnerships—demonstrates how councils can champion child friendly, health promoting environments. 

Let’s Play Kiama is a reminder that play is not an “extra.” It’s a foundation for community wellbeing. 

Watch the beauty unfold here

We’ve also had the pleasure to be supporting and advocating for Wollongong city councils playspace strategy. Alongside our submission with a focus on whole of council approach, focus on risky play and older children’s play, it’s exciting to have a Play Strategy for Wollongong that will shape Play for the next 20 years and we look forward to other councils taking the step!  

This is all in-line with the exciting new work released from the World Health Organisations that SPACES are the prescription for a healthier childhood. There’s a real sense that all is poised in 2026 to focus on Play at critical to our children’s health and wellbeing. Read the full report here

Screen time is changing, and so must our approach.

Australian children’s screen habits have shifted dramatically in recent years. Screens are now embedded in learning, socialising, and entertainment. The conversation can’t simply be about “less screen time.” It must be about balanced, healthy, meaningful use.  

Our recent community survey gave us insights into to families understanding and support needs around it. A lot of people feel powerless to do anything and struggle supporting their children’s balance.  

“I feel so lost as to how to navigate this. I feel as though I’m losing my tween boy to the  

addiction of the screen, and I’m scared that its only going to get worse/harder to manage as he gets older. The difference in his zest for life when he does not have access to a screen for a few days is incredible.” 

From a Healthy Cities Australia lens, the key concerns are: 

• Sedentary behaviour is rising, especially in younger children 
• Outdoor play is declining, often due to parental safety concerns 
• Digital play is replacing social, physical, and imaginative play 
• Families feel overwhelmed by mixed messages 

The goal isn’t to demonise screens. It’s to design cities and communities where the healthy choice is the informed, easy choice—where outdoor play is accessible, safe, and irresistible. 

Join our upcoming Screen Time tips for family webinar here.

What’s next?!  

In February we will be taking part in the Australian Play Summits. We’re excited to be part of the Australian National Plan for Play because the initiative represents a national turning point in recognising play as a fundamental right for every child, not just an optional extra. Play Australia’s vision, grounded in children’s rights, spatial justice, and evidence informed planning, aligns deeply with our mission to create healthier, more equitable communities. The summit’s focus on mapping play opportunities, identifying play deserts, and building a cross sector, community driven national strategy offers exactly the kind of systems level change Australia needs to support children’s wellbeing.

With leading thinkers like Dr Naomi Lott and Dr Wendy Russell contributing to the conversation, the summit provides a rare opportunity to collaborate on a framework that integrates health, urban planning, education, and community development. For Healthy Cities Australia, being part of this movement means helping shape a future where every neighbourhood supports children’s right to play, regardless of postcode, ability, or circumstance.   

The future of Healthy Cities is playful.

Young people are telling us what they need. Communities like Kiama are showing us what’s possible. And the changing landscape of screen time is reminding us why this work matters. 

A healthy city is a playful city.
 A connected city.
 A City where children are welcome and included for their health and wellbeing and the health of the city.  

Michelle Barry: Team Leader for Child Health Promotion https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-barry-906a6a91/