To understand what good looks like for children’s play in a digital world, we cut through today’s anxious confusion by integrating insights from multiple sources of expertise to synthesise the value of play in childhood. Informed by public consultation, we will then evaluate opportunities to transpose the qualities of play into digital contexts, and propose ways to enhance them. Our first report, A Panorama of Play, reviews the rich history of ideas about free play and proposes the qualities of play that matter in a digital world. Download PDF here.
Publications
What are the qualities of free play that children enjoy in a digital world? Our new report sets out the 12 qualities of play, and shows how children have devised new ways to play during the pandemic, including with apps like Zoom. We call on those with the power to influence the digital environment to prioritise Playful by Design so that these qualities can thrive and benefit children.
The Kaleidoscope of Play in a Digital World builds on the recent Digital Futures Commission report ‘A Panorama of Play‘ which identified and explored the characteristics of free play and its importance in children’s lives. This report now identifies the possibilities and challenges of children’s free play in a digital world.
The DFC is launching a consultation on play and invites children and young people, parents and carers, and professionals who work with children to share views on the opportunities to play in a digital world.
Our first report, A Panorama of Play, reviews the rich history of ideas about free play and proposes the qualities of play that matter in a digital world.
Blogs
What differences can digital design make for children?
What is the potential, and the problem, with digital design? How can we make digital design more compatible with children’s evolving capacities? In search of »
Why we need Playful by Design
By Sonia Livingstone We’ve seen recent calls for Safety by Design, Privacy by Design, and more. To ensure children’s best interests in a digital world, these are all vital. In combination, they »
An insider’s view of the games industry and what it offers children’s play
The summer of play has begun, and many children will be playing online. To discover the thinking that informs their digital opportunities, Sonia Livingstone interviewed Jo »
It’s time to make the digital world playful by design!
By Sonia Livingstone and Kruakae Pothong Like everything else in their life, children’s play has shifted online almost by default due to the Covid-19 pandemic. »
How does free play manifest in the digital environment?
By Kruakae Pothong, Sonia Livingstone and Angela Colvert Children will always find ways to have fun. And they don’t distinguish where they play – online »
Navigating the ethical challenges of consulting children via Zoom
By Kruakae Pothong and Sonia Livingstone The internet has become a lifeline for both adults and children during COVID-19 lockdown for work, education and fun. »