Child rights panel opposes cutting of playtime for schoolchildren

BENGALURU: The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has expressed discontent over the Education Department’s decision to reduce playtime for students due to the ongoing caste survey.

The commission has written to the government and Education Department, urging them not to cut playtime, citing it as a violation of children’s rights.

“Reducing playtime is a violation of children’s rights. Children in the classroom have reduced playtime in the schedule. The commission spoke to the children”, they said. Extracurricular activities such as games, art, and music are an integral part of the holistic personality development of children, the panel noted.

“The World Health Organization has recognized June 11 as International Play Day every year, highlighting the importance of play in children’s lives. It is ironic that children’s games are being restricted in this way. This also has a negative impact on children’s learning and overall growth. Hence, it is urged that playtime should be fixed during school hours”, it said.

The commission demands that schools allocate specific time for play and not curtail it under any circumstances, it added.