Play – Child and Youth Mental Well-Being Resources

Play is essential for child development. It promotes mental well-being through brain development, stress relief, physical activity, and time outdoors. Local governments can create and maintain spaces and provide opportunities for all kinds of play – and not just in typical designated play places and programs.  

This is the link for Protective Factor: Play. You may also be interested in viewing Protective Factor: Participation, Protective Factor: Safety, or Protective Factor: Social connection and belonging. If you’re interested in more background information about where to start, how local governments influence and benefit from strengthening child and youth mental wellness, population disparities, and quality adults in children’s lives, check out the full document here.