“The consequences of play deprivation are profound — a growing crisis that threatens children’s health, fitness, and development. As free, outdoor play declines, fitness levels decline, waistlines expand, and a host of health problems follow, including obesity, heart disease, rickets, and a spiraling upturn in emotional and social disorders. The solutions are complex and require massive, coordinated action.”

~ Dr. Joe Frost

We talk about the perils of play deprivation here, but I tend to focus on the benefits of play and time spent outdoors in nature. But play deprivation is is real, has long-lasting consequences, and it is utterly preventable.

Learn more about play deprivation and get involved in some of the great work that is going on across the globe. The following is a list of some of the groups working on play and related issues. If you know of others, please leave them in the comments section.

Alliance for Childhood

Children and Nature Network

HSBS Center for Physical Development & Outdoor Play

International Play Association (and IPA USA)

KaBOOM!

National Association for the Education of Young Children

Natural Learning Initiative

Play England

Project Joy

Project for Public Spaces

The Association for the Study of Play

The National Institute for Play

US Play Coalition

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

photo credit: Axel Bührmann

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