AS the summer holidays continue, parents and carers may be considering the best balance between online and in-person play for their children.

A survey carried out by YouGov for the NSPCC asked more than 1,000 parents with children aged 18 or under what they felt about the impact of play on their child. The survey showed 86 per cent believed in-person play had a positive impact on children’s wellbeing, 62 per cent would like their children to have more time to play and almost a third (32 per cent) said playing with peers was the top way to enhance their child’s experience.

A report from the Children’s Commissioner in 2018 also found children who play are happier and more confident, better at dealing with stress and forming healthy attachments. The evidence shows all types of play are beneficial to children, but as young people spend more time online and away from school during the holidays finding that balance can be tricky. We want to highlight the benefits of play, but we also know that some children and young people might be struggling during the summer holidays.

Spending weeks away from school, they might miss their school routine, feel disconnected from their friends or, in some cases, may not have a happy environment at home. Our Childline counsellors hear first-hand about challenges some children face during the holidays and are available around the clock to offer support. They promote play, both online or offline, as a tool to help children’s wellbeing and reduce anxiety. One girl aged 16 told Childline: “I’ve got so much going on in my head right now, I can barely think straight. I don’t like talking about my feelings with others that much. Normally, I just play online games like Roblox to take my mind off things. I also like playing board games with my mum if she’s around. I suppose I could ask if she wants to play something tonight.”

The NSPCC wants to remind children and families this summer holiday that if a child in their life is struggling, play can be a useful way to manage any worries and release stress. If you’re a parent or carer with time free from work to spend playing games with your child, it doesn’t have to be an elaborate or expensive game. A simple board game or jigsaw can boost their wellbeing as much as the latest handheld device. Similarly, catching up with friends to kick a football around a green space. if appropriate, will not only help them build relationships and resilience, but get some exercise too.

Every child deserves a happy, healthy childhood, ensuring they’re full of play goes a long way to helping them cope in difficult times, connect with others, build confidence and learn more about the world around them.

The Childline website has an area dedicated to games and wellbeing. It’s free to access and our counsellors are available 24/7 on childline.org.uk or 0800 1111.