BPS launches new films to highlight use of play to regulate children’s emotions and support psychological wellbeing

With the return to school for some children and lockdown restrictions easing, the British Psychological Society (BPS) has launched two short films to help parents, carers and education professionals use play to support children to make sense of the changes happening in their lives.

Created as a resource for families, the first film highlights the benefits of using play to help children understand the changes they are experiencing and gives tips on using play to support their wellbeing.

The second film offers professionals expert advice from educational psychologists and experts in play about its role in supporting learning and promoting children’s wellbeing as they return to a school environment that may look very different.

Melernie Meheux, educational psychologist and joint chair-elect of the BPS division of educational and child psychology, said:

“The Coronavirus crisis has been a new and unusual time for all of us, adults and children alike. Play is a fantastic way of helping children make sense of what’s happening in their world and enables them to process their emotions, whether they’re excited and happy, or feeling anxious and unsure.

“We know schools will look different for children as they return to the classroom, so it’s really important children are given the opportunity to use play to process their feelings and understand their new environment.”

The BPS has also published guidance on meeting the psychological needs of children as they go back to school, to support re-engagement and recovery.