Play is a vital feature in us humans; we often find ourselves using play as a catalyst to make friendships, social interactions and memories bloom. Children especially rely on free play to interact with their surroundings; it’s the tool they use to understand the world and its inhabitants, all with a smile on their faces.

However, there are some cases where a child is deprived of play – severe poverty, war zones, or abusive households are just to name a few. In such cases, a child is unable to play, either by force or by circumstance. If this epidemic strikes at the early years of development – well, it spells only disaster.

Brain Development Stifled

Children in their early years go through a special period called the “sensitive period”, where important neurological growth and formation takes place; any experience gained during this period helps children form cortical maps, which further aids in developing emotional relationships with others and the world. This is where a child creates a conscious reality for themselves. Children who are exposed to free play have a positive consciousness, which keeps their mental health stable in the future.

However, children who are deprived of play don’t get to experience an enriching “sensitive period”; in fact, this period of theirs is marked by a shortage of sensory interaction with the outside world. As a result, vital parts of their brain remain severely underdeveloped, and at times even malformed. Children under its influence experience behavioural instability, neurological dysfunctions, unhappiness and an overall unstable mental state.

Extreme Anti-social Behaviour

Stemming from their lack of social interaction, play deprivation causes children to adhere to strange, anti-social behaviour that may seem unapproachable. This may include awkwardness like repetition of activities, severe lack of social interaction, and lack of control over emotions. Since they can’t interact with others, they don’t have the patience to handle anyone else either.

In fact, they end up developing violent behaviours instead; since they have such fragile relationships with others, they’re quick to forget others’ names, and are more likely to show rough “bully” behaviour in any social setting.

How To Counter These Effects?

Unfortunately, there is no immediate solution to the emotional distress something like play deprivation causes for the child. However, a clever way of countering the effects is by spreading awareness. Parents must recognise the negative effects of play deprivation. They should not stifle the child’s right to be happy.

Therefore, they must understand their child’s own spontaneous play natures, and allow their surroundings to nourish them. Whether it’s in the household or outdoors, give your child every opportunity to play and interact with their surroundings. After all, it’s how we humans learn how to adapt with one another, learn to grow with each other, and coexist on planet Earth.


Nurseries in JLT understand the terrible repercussions of play deprivation, and so plan creative ways to prevent such a thing from happening. Oakfield Early Learning Centre accomplishes this by incorporating fun into education, making learning an interesting experience. Furthermore, there is a separate Gym, Nursery Area and Toddler & Baby Area where children get to take some time off and play with friends.

In the end, the rules to a happy child are simple: let them flex their little muscles, and giggle at the world clearly made for them to explore.

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Reference: “Play Deprivation” by Play Wales