What Happens When a Child is Play-Deprived in Early Childhood Development?

First, what is play?

According to Oxford Languages, play is defined as:
“Engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.”

In the context of early childhood, play means more than just fun. It’s an essential part of how children explore their imaginations, be creative, learn about their surroundings, and develop critical skills. Play is not only a source of joy but also a building block of learning and growth.

Second, what is play deprivation, and what are the signs that a child might be suffering from not enough play?

A child is play-deprived when they don’t have enough opportunities to explore the world around them using their senses—hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, and seeing. But play isn’t just about the physical act. It’s about the mental, emotional, and social experiences that shape a child’s development.

In recent years, more focus has been placed on the harmful effects of play deprivation. Research shows that children who don’t get enough playtime may experience significant developmental setbacks.

Here are some of the consequences of play deprivation:

• Increased risk of depression
• Low self-esteem
• More susceptible to addiction
• Poor early childhood development
• Less self-control
• Difficulty adapting to change
• Behavior problems

These outcomes highlight the critical importance of play in a child's development. According to a 2022 study from the American Academy of Pediatrics, children who engage in regular unstructured play demonstrate better emotional regulation and higher levels of creativity and problem-solving skills than their play-deprived peers.

Recent statistics:

• CDC data shows that only 1 in 4 children under the age of 8 gets the recommended amount of physical activity per day. This lack of active play is linked to both physical and emotional health challenges.
• A study published in the Journal of Early Childhood Research found that children who spend less than 60 minutes a day engaged in free play have a higher likelihood of experiencing stress and anxiety.

Signs a Child is Play-Deprived

Recognizing the signs of play deprivation can be tough, especially since some behaviors may mimic other issues. However, key signs include:

• Withdrawal from social situations
• Difficulty focusing or paying attention for long periods
• Irritability or frequent mood swings
• Low energy and enthusiasm for exploring new activities
• Trouble making friends or connecting with peers

What do we do about it?

We need to actively promote the importance of play in early childhood development. Here’s how we can support children:

1. Share this information: Let others know about the importance of play and the consequences of play deprivation. Educators, parents, and caregivers all need to recognize the value of play for young children.

2. Encourage regular playtime: Set aside time each day for unstructured, creative, and exploratory play. Allow children to take the lead, use their imaginations, and try new things.

3. Provide age-appropriate play resources: Whether it’s through building toys, sensory kits, or pretend play, having the right materials on hand can foster development. For instance, if your child is into hands-on learning, they might love the Counting Rainbow Bears Activity Set for practicing math and fine motor skills. 

4. Listen and observe: Pay attention to what your child is most interested in. This will help guide you in providing the types of play activities that best suit their developmental stage.

Let’s Get Playing!

Supporting play in early childhood isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Play helps children grow, develop, and build the social and emotional skills that will benefit them for life.

We’re here to help you make play a priority in your home! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @funlearngrowco for more tips, activities, and ideas to inspire creative, fun-filled play.

Happy playing!