IPA World has just released an international study of government and civil society responses to Covid-19 and their impact on children’s play and mobility. IPA Aotearoa New Zealand contributed.
Here is a little summary. For more detail, please read here.
Summary
This report sets out the findings of a global study of the impact of measures prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic on the play and mobility of children. The aim of the study is to provide baseline information, to make international comparisons, and to gather emerging good practice on how these measures (which have significant adverse consequences for children’s health and well- being) can be mitigated. The report starts with some context, including an overview of the clinical and epidemiological evidence, and a discussion of the emerging evidence and arguments about the collateral damage to children of lockdown measures. The study uses a specially-created ‘Child Lockdown Index’ to allow for meaningful comparisons between countries.
It is clear that children face a very small direct risk from the disease. Hence the implementation of measures that harm them are a judgement – implicit or explicit – that this collateral damage is a price worth paying, because of the greater good. This report does not comment on that judgement, not least because the picture is still incomplete. However, the study is important in bringing to light the sacrifices that children have been asked to make, and the potential consequences for their rights, health and well-being. Advocates across the world need to work with governments to find solutions that address play deprivation and minimise the impact on children’s development.
IPA Aotearoa NZ is a branch of the International Play Association (IPA World) and is a non-governmental organisation that exists to promote the child’s right to play, their way.