Call for action to end children’s ‘battery-hen existence’ in summer holidays

Children’s commissioner says GPs should offer ‘play on prescription’ to combat obesity and poor mental health

Urgent action is needed to stop children leading a “battery hen existence” during the summer holidays that is damaging their mental health, contributing to violence, and ensuring they return to school in worse health than when they left, the children’s commissioner for England has warned.

In an interview with the Observer, Anne Longfield said that radical measures were needed to restore the importance of play, such as overhauling play areas and parks, and encouraging GPs to recommend “play on prescription”.

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from Children | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2PwUSm5