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  4. 13-17 years old
  5. Play and rest

Play and rest

13

– 17

years

old

What does this mean?

How do I get my right to play as a teenager?

How is this right promoted in Ireland?

Did you know? 

Do all children in Ireland get this right?

What does this mean?

Article 31 of the UNCRC says that children have a right to play and rest.

This will look different for children of different ages.

Play is very important because it helps you to develop, and also directly impacts your well-being. It helps children build relationships, problem solve and improves their cognitive, physical, social and emotional skills. 

How is this right promoted in Ireland?

There is no law in this country that protects your right to play. Ireland has a national policy on play, called ‘Ready, Steady, Play!’. However, it was published in 2004 and lots of people want to see an updated one.  
Adults and the government should still promote your right to play. For example, in new housing estates you might see a playground being built by the local authority, and in school, you get regular breaks throughout the day.  
‘Teenspace’ is a national policy for young people focusing on the need for more recreational or ‘hang out’ spaces for teenagers.
In 2025, local authorities asked young people through their local Comhairle na Nóg (youth council) to come up with an idea for a project in their area that would address the recreational needs of young people. Initiatives like this are welcomed and in line with Article 12 of the UNCRC- Having a say. 

Did you know?

In education, play based learning can make learning more enjoyable, relevant and helps children better remember the information.

Do all children in Ireland get this right?

Children’s right to play may be impacted by other rights. For example, if a child is living in emergency accommodation, there may not have much room to play. 
If an area or school has very little green spaces, or there is not much stuff to do, this may also affect a child’s right to play.

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7-12 years old

13-17 years old