REPORTAGE
In Canada’s Vancouver community a ban on children playing outdoors has been imposed. Will such a ban negate children their most natural freedom?
The New Leam Staff
The most natural things for children to do is to play outside. Children love natural abundance and feel extremely happy when they are left alone to play. Games like football, hockey to other child invented games form the centre of childhood for a large section of children. The introduction of gadgets and other online games have made outdoor play a neglected option for many upper class children but even then the significance of outdoor games has not resided when seen in its entirety.
Children like cycling, playing spontaneously among themselves, playing more organised games or simply being in the company of others as it gives them a feeling of agency. In a locality in Canada’s Vancouver there is a ban on children playing outdoors. The authorities have said that the roads will only cater to transport and children should not play outside. Guardians residing the area have protested against the order and assert that children should have access to playing spaces. The authorities have said that the ban has been implemented for the safety of the children. The ban means that children will have to be confined indoors even when they wish to play outdoors. The significance of outdoor play cannot be asserted enough especially in an age when sedentary modes of life and enhanced addiction to techno-gadgets occupies a large part of childhood. The significance of safety mechanism cannot be overlooked but the significance of outdoor playing cannot be negated also. Playing is the most natural thing for children to do and denying them this opportunity is absurd.
The international community has alleged that the community in Vancouver is lodging a ‘war on fun’ by banning children’s play.
The ban has led to international community condemnation and a demand for a more child centric legislation. The parents residing in the neighborhood are unhappy and ready to raise their claims for their children’s right to play in the open. The community should arrive at a point where the safety regulations are kept in mind and at the same time the children have their right to play in nature. Playing is integral to the growth of a child and the denial of such a chance is condemnable.
