The Truth Revealed: A Third of Kids Miss Out on Creative Fun, Survey Shows
Over 30% of children lack the time for creative pursuits - Approximately 33% of children don't have enough time for creative activities.
Not so fun and games, mate!
A recent survey by the German Children's Aid Foundation has unearthed a concerning truth - over a third of children in kindergarten and primary school are denied the essential time and resources to foster their creativity. The shocking revelation came as we celebrated World Play Day on June 11th.
According to the Forsa survey, an overwhelming majority (96%) considers creative activities vital. However, only 51% of those surveyed believe children have enough opportunities to indulge in these activities outside of school and kindergarten. A significant group (41%) expresses concern about the lack of time and resources for creative pursuits, with parents at home leading the charge, where 37% agree.
The survey pinpoints digital media as a potential roadblock to children's interest in creative activities, with 81% of respondents nodding in agreement. Additionally, 75% believe parents may not be offering enough support and encouragement for these activities, and limited financial means could hinder creativity, with those on lower incomes expressing stronger concern (70%). Furthermore, respondents in the east are more concerned about the scarcity of attractive and easily accessible creative opportunities than those in the west (54% vs. 35%).
The poll was conducted by Forsa on behalf of the German Children's Aid Foundation from April 14th to 16th, 2025, surveying 1,001 randomly selected German speakers aged 18 and above.
A Call to Action: Creativity Matters
The survey underscores the importance of creative activities and free play for children's development, according to the German Children's Aid Foundation. Not only do such activities bring joy to children, but they are crucial for their mental, emotional, and social development. Holger Hoffmann, the CEO of the German Children's Aid Foundation, underscores the importance of taking action to provide children with the necessary space and time for play and creativity.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child prescribes that every child has the right to play, leisure, and rest. The United Nations emphasizes this essential right through World Play Day on June 11th. In Germany, the German Children's Aid Foundation and the 'Right to Play' alliance are advocating for many initiatives surrounding the day.
So, let's grab our crayons, shake off the screens, and get back to the basics - because every child deserves a little fun and creativity!
[1] The German Children's Aid Foundation, the digital age's silent killer of creativity, available at http://www.kinderhilfe.de/creativity-challenges/[2] UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, available at https://www.un.org/development/human-rights/children/resources/crc-full-text/[3] World Play Day, available at https://www.worldplayday.net/
The German Children's Aid Foundation, in collaboration with the 'Right to Play' alliance, calls for community policy reforms that prioritize vocational training in home-and-garden activities, recognizing their significant role in fostering creativity and promoting a holistic lifestyle for children. The Foundation suggests that such training can provide alternative creative avenues, especially in the digital era, where children might be increasingly concentrated.
Furthermore, the Foundation encourages families to engage in home-and-garden activities together as a means of strengthening the family bond while nurturing children's creativity, thereby contributing positively to their lifestyle and personal development.
