Education chief Coun Les Lawrence calls for tradtional play
BIRMINGHAM’S head of education today urged schools to “stand up to the compensation culture” and encourage children to play traditional rough and tumble games like British bulldog, stuck in the mud and tag at breaktime.
Coun Les Lawrence (Con, Northfield), the city’s cabinet member for children, young people and families, said parents and teachers should not “wrap children in cotton wool” because they were afraid of them getting bruised.
Speaking as chairman of the Local Government Authority’s Children and Young People Board, Coun Lawrence warned many active games were at risk of dying out as children spent more time in front of a computer screen.
The LGA has issued councils with a list of breaktime games.
Games like British bulldog, which involves children running from one end of the playground to another without getting caught in the middle, are on the list.
Oranges and lemons, What’s the Time, Mr Wolf?, hopscotch, skipping, French elastic, marbles and hide and seek are the other playground favourites suggested.
“Children benefit from physical activity and even some rough and tumble,” said Coun Lawrence. “We do our youngsters no favours by wrapping them in cotton wool, which can prevent them from developing skills they’ll need.
“It’s time to take a stand against many aspects of the compensation culture and accept there are going to be a few scratches and grazed knees because that’s part of growing up.
“While children used to play regularly on their bikes or kick a ball, they’re now more likely to spend their free time in front of a TV or computer console. That makes it even more important they do some running around during the school day.
“Playground habits are bound to change, but it would be a shame if more active games were to die out.”
