Schools urged to value play to help with mental health

The British Psychological Society (BPS) has renewed its calls to put more play into the school day due to the benefits that play can bring for mental health.

It wants to see an additional 10 minutes of play added to the school day, with play being integral to children’s social development, problem solving and physical development.

This comes as the BPS found that children and young people’s mental health services have seen a 45 percent rise in open referrals over the last two years.

As well as its call for more play, the BPS is urging action on mental health funding and workforce planning. 

Staff shortages and years of funding cuts mean that children’s mental health services can often only take the most severe cases, leaving many waiting months for support. Investment in early intervention services and the psychological workforce could dramatically improve outcomes for these children, young people and their families.

Dr Olympia Palikara and Dr Victoria Lewis, co-chairs of the BPS Division of Education and Child Psychology, added: “It is clear that action needs to be taken to support children’s mental health and wellbeing, as well as increasing access to vital services and support. One small change that can be made is ensuring children across all ages and stages have frequent opportunities to play throughout the school day. As we emerge from the pandemic and children are faced with yet further uncertainty over the conflict in Ukraine and what it could mean for them, there is a vital need to recognise the intrinsic value of play and make it a priority.”