Abstract
Play is recognised for its essential role in children’s development and, as such, the right to play has been internationally ratified through the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, people’s day-to-day lives were universally disrupted by restrictions and children’s ability to play as usual was impacted. The aim of this review was to examine the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic affected children’s play around the world, and whether this differed as a function of their national context. Database searches were conducted between August 2022 and February 2023, whereby a total of 10 studies met inclusion and quality assessment criteria. Through a process of thematic synthesis, three analytical themes were identified: foundations of play; children’s pursuits and losses; and factors interacting with play. Each analytical theme consisted of three subthemes. Findings are discussed, as well as implications for practitioners and possible directions for future research.
Recommended Citation
Fielding, A. H., & Harding, E. (2024). The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Associated Restrictions on Children’s Play: A Systematic Literature Review. International Journal of Playwork Practice, 5(1), Article 1. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/ijpp/vol5/iss1/2
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