Stardust & Bubbles

The IKEA what?

Yes, I know it sounds odd for a Swedish furniture company to come out with a report on play. But in fact, the report has quite some significant takeaways and champions the importance of play.

In short, IKEA’s Play Report 2024 looked at what makes kids happy (play) and how they feel at home. It talks about how playing helps kids feel better, have fun, and grow.

Below, I’ve made a Q&A-style post so you can get the entire scoop of the report (without flipping through 33 pages).

What’s the main takeaway of the report?

What’s the main takeaway of the report?

Kids are more stressed than before, but play is a way for them and their families to be closer, feel safe, and use their imagination.

In simpler terms: Play is good for us!

Why are children stressed?

The report states that in recent times, children have adopted some concerns that adults typically have, including struggles with finances, health and mental well-being. Plus, global unrest and climate change have created uncertain times for our little ones.

How did IKEA gather information for the report?

The report summed up results from both qualitative and quantitative studies, which came from:

• 36 home visits with in-depth interviews in China, Germany and the US
• 7000 children and parents surveyed across seven countries: Germany, China, France, the US, India, Poland and Japan

What exactly is play?

According to The National Institute of Play, “Play is a state of mind that one has when absorbed in an activity that provides enjoyment and a suspension of sense of time.”

The IKEA report adds that play is not just an activity but also a mindset:

Play is an approach to life that’s all about exploring, experimenting, creating, communicating and connecting

What do children and families think about play?

There has been a cultural shift in play since the last IKEA play report (2017). Play is now seen as a priority and a powerful way to connect with others rather than simply an activity.

What are the benefits of play?

1. Play contributes to a stress-free and happy childhood: Kidding around, laughing, being creative and using our imagination is good for our mental and emotional health.
2. Play can help boost children’s self-love and advocacy: Play is a space where children can express themselves fully and virtually the only space where children make their own decisions.
3. Play fosters social and emotional connection: playtime with friends and family brings us closer together.

“If children are given time and
space to engage in play they will
become more capable of coping with
and solving the big and complex
challenges they will face in their
lives. The future will require them to
respond to uncertainty and change
with creativity and imagination, more
than ever before. We need to provide
more opportunities for play and
value its importance, to nurture good
mental health as well as support a
sustainable future for the world.”

Helen Dodd, Professor of Child Psychology

What makes IKEA an expert on play?

IKEA has been researching play for 15 years, with reports published in 2010, 2015, 2017 and 2024. In the reports, they collaborate with global experts on children, child psychologists, child educators, and play consultants. Most importantly, they talk to children and their families.

So, what are your favorite ways to play with your child? Is there anything you’re struggling with?