Play guide: Creating play opportunities for refugee children

Abstract

In recent years, migration flows have accelerated, displacing individuals and causing lasting adverse effects. A significant portion of the migrant population consists of children. Research highlights that play is essential for refugee children’s well-being, aiding their social adaptation and helping them establish routines. However, design practices must be adapted to their specific needs. As the country hosting the largest number of refugees globally and a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), Türkiye must ensure refugee children’s right to play.

This study aims to create a comprehensive guide for local governments to provide play opportunities for refugee children. It is structured in two stages: first, identifying challenges and solutions through a literature review; and second, proposing solutions based on five criteria—disabilities, education, child development, inclusive planning, and ecology. Specific practices are also reviewed within these criteria. Key findings indicate that local authorities should prioritize inclusive design, foster collaborations, and allocate resources to develop play spaces that support the physical, emotional, and social development of refugee children.

As a result of this study, a play guide was developed, offering strategies for local governments to create new play opportunities and improve existing ones. The guide outlines methods and partnerships that local authorities can adopt to ensure inclusive, well-designed play environments for refugee children.