The right of children to play

The Declaration of the Rights of the Child signed in 1959 recognizes the right of children to play , to have fun and to recreational activities. We review all those basic rights of the child that unfortunately are not always fulfilled. Despite what we see in the news, children have the right to play

The Declaration of the Rights of the Child signed in 1959 recognizes the right of children to play, to have fun and to recreational activities. We review all those basic rights of the child that unfortunately are not always fulfilled. Despite what we see in the news, children have the right to play.

The game, play activities, fun periods and enjoyment should be part of any child's childhood. Today we see how in certain parts of the world children are deprived of this Right to play. And is that playing is one of the defining aspects of childhood.

The importance of Children's Right to Play

Under the premise that a child who plays is a healthy child, the Declaration of the Rights of the Child includes the Right to Play as one of the Fundamental Rights. If you are wondering why children need to play, we have a few reasons, as many as the benefits we find in the children's playful activities for their development.

Children should play and have fun because it is the base of their development. The games promote the physical and intellectual development of the child, promote their creativity and prepare them to live in society. Playful activities also ensure that our children have a healthy childhood on a physical and emotional level. For all that and much more, all children should play.

And nevertheless, we see how in many places children are deprived of their childhood , away fromthe fun and the carelessness of their age to turn them into adults at the wrong time, performing functions that are not intended for children nor for most adults. Together we must guarantee children a happy childhood. How to guarantee the right to play

The right of children to play is found in the

principle 7 of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child together with the Right to Education. Many parents are able to guarantee all these rights to their children, but they do not know what they can do to commit themselves to ensuring that all the children of the world enjoy a happy childhood. The celebration of the

International Day of the Game is an excellent measure to put pressure on governments around the world and address this fundamental right. Playing is necessary for any child, as well as having a child's childhood. And that is precisely what it is about promoting with the celebrations of the Day of the Game. Although logically, the protection of children begins with the closest children, involving us in the promotion of play in schools or associations, playing with our children to enjoy as a family and encouraging play between children and adults. In a short time, our entire environment will be checking the

benefits of playing together with the children. Laura Vélez

. Editor of Guiainfantil.com