June 11th is International Day of Play, a United Nations initiative that asks us to stop and think about something most adults haven’t thought about since they were about nine years old. We’d like to take that seriously for a moment.
What Play Does to Your Body and Brain
Play is one of those things that feels frivolous until you look at what it actually does to the body and brain.
For children, the evidence is long-established. Deakin University’s Associate Professor of Play Therapy, Judi Parson, describes play as something that “supports physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development as well as our emotional health and well-being.” Without enough of it, children are at higher risk of poor cardiovascular health, weakened immunity, low confidence, and difficulties managing emotions and stress.
For adults, the picture is similar. New Australian research found that regular group play measurably improved happiness, wellbeing, and mental health in adults. It eases anxiety, reduces social isolation, and appears to help with depression. None of that is trivial.
Play is not a reward for finishing work. It is part of what keeps us well enough to do work in the first place.
How Australian Children and Adults Are Really Tracking
We see this clinically, but the data backs it up. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, fewer than three in ten Australian children aged 2 to 17 meet the physical activity guidelines. Most exceed the recommended screen time limits. Children aged 5 to 14 are spending an average of more than two hours a day on screens outside of school. They are not moving, not playing freely, not being creative and exploring new things.
Adults aren’t faring much better. In a culture that treats busyness as a virtue, unstructured play is often the first thing to go. We park ourselves in front of screens to wind down, which is understandable, but it isn’t the same as play. Play allows us to experiment, take risks and feed our inner child…who lives long after we finish school.
This matters because, as Deakin’s research notes, anxiety and depression rates are rising across all age groups. Play offers something that structured exercise, mindfulness apps, and good intentions don’t always manage: genuine absorption, spontaneous connection, and enjoyment that isn’t conditional on performance.
What Counts as Play for Adults
We’re not suggesting you start a game of tag on the street. But the research is consistent that any activity you engage in voluntarily, that holds your attention and brings you pleasure, counts.
That might be a social sport, a board game, a creative hobby, mucking around with the kids on a weekend, or kicking a footy with a neighbour. It might be something you haven’t done since you were younger and aren’t sure why you stopped.
The key quality isn’t what you’re doing. It’s how you’re doing it.
Why Play Matters for the Whole Family
For parents, there’s something worth hearing in the research. Australian play experts note that adults can gradually forget how to be playful, and that parents are often a child’s first and most important play partner. When you play with your kids, genuinely play rather than supervise, both of you benefit. That’s not a guilt trip. It’s genuinely good news.
The Value of Unstructured Play for Children
And for children, unstructured play, the kind without a coach, a curriculum, or a screen, is where a lot of important development actually happens. Problem-solving, negotiation, managing frustration, learning to lose. These aren’t soft skills. They’re foundational ones.
Take a Moment on International Day of Play
Your Mental Health – Take a Moment!
We’re not asking you to overhaul your schedule on June 11. The spotlight of International Day of Play is a reasonable day to ask yourself one question: when did I last play? What would it take to do it again?
If you have children and you’re worried about their development, activity levels, or emotional wellbeing, that’s worth talking through with your GP. Play is one piece of a bigger picture, and we’re always happy to look at the whole picture with you. Our team see the whole person and are more than happy to help you find hobbies and activities which bring out the spontaneous and fun you.
Because health is about supporting wellness not just being there when you are sick.
Social prescribing is the technical term for bringing things which matter to you back into your life.
Our team has led the country in developing social prescribing models. We can help you avoid drugs and get high on life instead!
Further Reading: Trusted Australian Resources
- International Day of Play reminds us why we need to stay playful — Deakin University. Research and commentary from Deakin’s play therapy experts on why play matters across the lifespan.
- Physical activity — Australian Institute of Health and Welfare — Current Australian data on children’s and adults’ physical activity levels and screen time.
- Playfulness key to adult health and happiness — Australian research on the measurable wellbeing benefits of adult play.
- Australia’s children: physical activity — AIHW data on how Australian children are tracking against physical activity guidelines.
