CONTEXT –  International Day of Play is the latest addition to the United Nations days of special observance. On March 25, with the support of 140 countries, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution earmarking June 11 as the International Day of Play, an effort to protect children’s right to play, clubbing it with other fundamental rights

GLOBAL PARTICIPATION

• Involvement of Karnataka Children: Over 400 children from Udipi and Vijayanagara districts of Karnataka participated in discussions to shape the International Day of Play.
• Global Initiative: This effort was part of a global exercise involving 10,000 children from various countries, organized by the Child and Youth Friendly Governance Project.

GUIDELINES DEVELOPMENT

• Children’s Input: Through online focus group discussions, children provided insights on what the International Day of Play should represent and not represent.
• Call to Action: Guidelines titled “Children and Young People Call to Action” emerged from these discussions, emphasizing the importance of children’s right to play.

REPRESENTATION AND RECOGNITION

• Membership in Advisory Group: Five children from Karnataka were nominated as members of the Children and Youth Advisory Group (CAYAG), representing the voices of their peers.
• Nomination Process: Children nominated themselves from Makkala Sanghas and Bhima Sangha, demonstrating active participation and engagement.

ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN’S RIGHTS

• UN Day for Play: The International Day of Play aims to promote children’s right to play, highlighting its significance for all children, including those with special needs and in challenging circumstances.
• Role of Stakeholders: The call to action urges parents, school authorities, and governments to recognize and protect children’s right to play.

ADDRESSING BARRIERS TO PLAY

• Challenges Faced: The report by the Child and Youth Advisory Board identifies barriers to play, such as lack of time, safe spaces, and playmates.
• Impact of Deprivation: Depriving children of playtime can lead to negative emotions like boredom, sadness, and anger.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION

• Enhancing Play Opportunities: Recommendations include providing more time and opportunities for play, especially in schools, creating safe play spaces, and supporting social skill development through play.

CONCLUSION

The active participation of children from Karnataka in shaping the International Day of Play underscores their advocacy for children’s rights and the importance of play in child development. The call to action resonates globally, urging stakeholders to prioritize play as a fundamental aspect of childhood.Top of Form