Play deprivation can lead to many psychological problems

In recent weeks, several correspondents have commented on the lamentable lack of proper play opportunities for children in Hong Kong and the fanatical overemphasis on tests and homework for even the very young. When will Hong Kong wake up to the fact that play is not a luxury but absolutely essential to development of a child's full potential?

Play is the means by which the young of all species, including our own, learn to make sense of the world around them and develop problem-solving and social skills. Play deprivation can lead to many intellectual and psychological problems and needs to be recognised for the menace it is.

By chance, I had the good fortune to see at first hand two functions organised by the children's charity Playright. The first took over much of Discovery Bay one stormy day in March, and despite the heavy rain was attended by hosts of enthusiastic parents and children. Most of the activities were designed to develop a child's imagination, creativity and physical skills and - a very important point - they were not regimented. They were perfect proof that learning can be fun.

The second function took place earlier this month as part of an exhibition for the physically handicapped at the Convention Centre.

Playright had a stand full of games devised by its volunteers that were equally accessible to children, adults and people with physical, visual and hearing handicaps.

One ball game alone could be played by a combination of all these, including people in wheelchairs. It was a revelation and an object lesson in what we should be doing on a city-wide scale.