Bangkok, 11 June 2025 – On the International Day of Play, Save the Children (Thailand) released analysis from 88 countries showing that young children growing up in the poorest households are more than twice as likely to miss out on play with a parent or caregiver compared to those from wealthier households.

According to the data, 57% of children aged 3–4 in the poorest households did not engage in any developmental play or learning activity with an adult at home – such as storytelling, singing, going for a walk, or being helped to draw or count. In contrast, only 29% of children in the wealthiest households missed out on these activities.

Save the Children’s analysis draws from nationally representative household surveys by the United Nations in 88 countries, covering an estimated 780 million children, of whom approximately 90 million were aged 3–4 years. Households were grouped into five income levels.

Children in poorer households often live with caregivers burdened by responsibilities and lacking the time or resources to play with them. In contrast, children in wealthier households are more likely to receive interaction that promotes early development. Multiple studies have shown that low-income caregivers face higher stress levels and fewer opportunities to access play-supportive environments.

Guillaume Rachou, Country Director of Save the Children Thailand, said:

“Play is a right for every child. Through play, children connect with those around them, develop new skills like imagination, confidence, and an understanding of the world. Yet far too many children still miss out on play—both at home and in school—which impacts their development, emotions, and relationships. Every child deserves safe spaces, time, and freedom to play. That’s at the heart of quality growth—and what we should all be seeing in every child. We urge parents and guardians to play with their children more, and for the government to allocate appropriate and safe spaces for children's play.”

The International Day of Play is observed on 11 June each year. The United Nations General Assembly officially recognized the day in 2024, following a global campaign led by Save the Children, the LEGO Group, the LEGO Foundation, and other partners to have play recognized as a fundamental right—not just an optional activity.

Save the Children emphasizes that play builds concentration, memory, language skills, and helps children process emotions—especially those who have experienced trauma such as loss, disaster, or conflict. For these children, play becomes a pathway to explore their feelings and regain a sense of safety.

Globally, many children still lack access to safe places to play. In conflict zones, 44% of children reported having no safe play spaces, compared to a global average of 22%, according to consultations conducted by the Child and Youth Advisory Group.

In Thailand, Save the Children runs “Baan Len” (“Play House”) initiatives in multiple communities. The project begins by recruiting local youth as volunteers (Youth Literacy Champions or YLCs) to lead play-based learning sessions with young children. These youth receive training on facilitation techniques and then work with community leaders—including Subdistrict Administrative Organization heads, village heads, religious leaders, and parents—to establish safe and creative early learning spaces known as Baan Len. Currently, there are 14 Baan Len locations across 13 subdistricts in Raman district. The activities encourage family-based play using everyday materials to create toys and games that support cognitive, emotional, and imagination development.