Why Play Matters

Why Play Matters: A Parent's Guide to the WA Play Strategy

The Western Australian Government is developing Australia's first government-led Play Strategy for children from birth to age eight. The strategy aims to place play at the centre of children's wellbeing, development and learning.

Play is not "just playing"

The WA Play Strategy recognises that play is one of the most important ways young children learn about themselves and the world around them. The strategy describes play as essential for children’s health, happiness, learning and development. Through play, children develop:

Language and communication skills
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Confidence and independence
Physical strength and coordination
Social skills such as sharing, negotiating and cooperating
Emotional resilience and self-regulation

What kind of play are we talking about?

The focus is on creating more opportunities for children to play in everyday settings, not just in early learning environments. The strategy supports a broad view of play, including:

Outdoor and nature play
Imaginative and pretend play
Active physical play
Creative play with art, music and construction materials
Social play with family and friends
Child-led play, where children choose and direct their own activities

Why is the WA Government focusing on play?

Research and community feedback have highlighted that children today often face barriers to play, such as:

Busy schedules
Increased screen time
Limited access to safe outdoor spaces
Reduced opportunities for independent exploration

The strategy seeks to identify what supports play, what gets in the way, and how communities, services and governments can work together to create more play-friendly environments for children.

What will the strategy do?

The WA Play Strategy aims to:

Champion children's right to play.
Raise awareness of the value of play for learning, health and wellbeing.
Promote play-friendly spaces and communities.
Encourage governments, schools, early childhood services and community organisations to support play opportunities.

What does this mean for parents?

The strategy sends a reassuring message to families: time spent playing is not time wasted. When children build cubbies, climb trees, dress up, explore nature, create artwork, play games with friends, or simply engage in child-led play, they develop skills that support lifelong learning and wellbeing.

For parents, one of the most valuable things we can do is give children time, space, and permission to play. The WA Play Strategy recognises that play is a vital part of childhood and deserves protection, encouragement, and celebration.

Have your say:

To help inform the development of a WA Play Strategy, complete the survey by 11 November 2026. Your feedback will help shape practical actions to support more play-friendly communities across WA. Your answers are anonymous and cannot be linked back to you. This survey is for WA parents, carers, kin and other adults who are primary caregivers of children aged birth to 8 years.

What to expect: