Do children have a right to do nothing? Exploring the place of passive leisure in Australian school age care

2023/11/09 by Jennifer Cartmel, Bruce Hurst, Francis Bobongie‐Harris +5
Social Sciences · Medicine · #Children's Rights and Participation #Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet #Youth Education and Societal Dynamics

paper · pdf · doi:10.1177/09075682231212387

Abstract

In 2021, the Australian Government commissioned a review and update of My Time Our Place, its curriculum framework for School-Age Care services for primary-age children. One update trialled was the introduction of passive leisure. Whilst children’s passive use of leisure time is recognised as a right, it is often problematised and associated with negative health outcomes. This article explores a trial of passive leisure provision. It provides hopeful evidence that passive leisure spaces can be interactive, conversational and restful.

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