The Forgotten Art of Play: Why Australia Needs to Rethink Childhood
There’s something deeply unsettling about the way we’ve structured childhood today. Personally, I think we’ve lost sight of what it means to be a kid. Take the story of Renae Powell, a Brisbane-based educator, who noticed something off when her eldest child started school. The rigid schedules, the lack of free time, the near-absence of unstructured play—it all felt wrong. And she’s not alone in this observation. What makes this particularly fascinating is how we’ve managed to overlook something so fundamental to human development. Play isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Yet, in Australia, it’s being treated as an afterthought.
The Disappearing Playground
One thing that immediately stands out is how modern childhood has become a series of structured activities, screen time, and academic pressures. Robyn Monro Miller, CEO of Play Australia, points out that by the time kids hit high school, play is practically extinct. What many people don’t realize is that teenagers still need play—it’s not just for toddlers. The shift away from unstructured play is alarming, especially when you consider the evidence. Studies show that free play fosters emotional regulation, problem-solving, and social skills. From my perspective, we’re not just depriving kids of fun; we’re robbing them of essential developmental tools.
Why Play Matters—And Why We Ignore It
Here’s where it gets interesting: play isn’t just about kids running around aimlessly. It’s about creativity, resilience, and learning to navigate the world. Take the Time2Play trial at Wynn Vale Primary School in Adelaide. Teachers noticed that kids were lacking skills like collaboration and problem-solving. Their solution? Taking students to a scrubby bushland area to play—no equipment, no rules. The results were mind-blowing. Kids built teepees, had imaginary campfires, and developed vocabulary they wouldn’t have in a classroom. What this really suggests is that play isn’t a break from learning; it’s a different kind of learning altogether.
But here’s the kicker: despite the benefits, play is still seen as optional. Schools worry about taking time away from academics, and parents often prioritize structured activities. If you take a step back and think about it, this reflects a broader cultural mindset—one that values productivity over exploration, outcomes over process. This raises a deeper question: are we raising children or miniature adults?
The Play Divide
Another detail that I find especially interesting is the play divide. Play Australia’s 2025 State of Play report highlights that kids in low socioeconomic areas, rural locations, and Indigenous communities face the most barriers to play. But here’s the twist: kids from wealthier backgrounds aren’t immune. They’re often over-scheduled with structured activities, leaving no room for free play. This isn’t just an economic issue; it’s a cultural one. Parents, regardless of income, often view play as optional rather than essential.
The Playtopia Revolution
Renae Powell’s Playtopia is a perfect example of what’s possible when we prioritize play. It’s not your typical playground—it’s chaotic, messy, and utterly child-led. Kids build shelters, smash boxes, and create their own worlds. Powell’s role as a play worker isn’t to control but to protect this space. What’s striking is how this approach has transformed behavior. At a similar playground in Logan, fights and aggression dropped significantly. This isn’t just about play; it’s about giving kids a safe space to process their emotions.
A Call to Action
So, where do we go from here? In my opinion, we need a national play strategy—one that embeds play into health, education, and urban planning policies. Countries like Wales are already doing this, recognizing play as a fundamental right. Australia needs to catch up. But it’s not just about government action. It’s about a mindset shift. Parents, educators, and policymakers need to see play as a non-negotiable part of childhood.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on this, I’m reminded of something Mo Saunders, a grade 4 student at Playtopia, said: “It’s cool… not much teacher supervision, so they don’t boss you around as much, it’s creative.” That’s the essence of play—freedom, creativity, and autonomy. We’ve spent so long structuring childhood that we’ve forgotten what kids actually need. Maybe it’s time to step back, let go of control, and let them play. After all, as Powell puts it, “Let them play.” It’s not just a suggestion; it’s a necessity.
