All work and no play for children: Losing their childhood and their happiness?

A UK Department for Health-commissioned survey in 2004 concluded that 1 in 10 British children aged 5-16 are diagnosed with mental disorders. Childhood stress, psychological problems and self-abuse are increasing. Gone are the hazy days when kids could run free all day and play. Through play "children develop... an emergent sense of competence ... feelings of 'belonging', 'usefulness', and subsequent well-being". When deprived of play, children lack social connectivity and have less 'mental well...