Make space for children to play

The lack of proper playgrounds and facilities in Abu Dhabi is worrying. It has evoked a feeling of helplessness amongst children and their parents. In an effort to spend their spare time indulging in physical activity and sport, children have resorted to using empty car parks and construction sites as playgrounds.

This leads not only to ‘turf wars' in neighbourhoods, but also to physical injuries caused by playing on concrete surfaces without adequate protection. There is also the threat of traffic accidents.

The downside to the lack of recreational facilities is that children often choose to stay at home — this in turn affects their development negatively. It is time for the concerned authorities to take a look at this serious issue and come up with suitable ways to address the problem — children must be allowed to avail of the maximum benefit from their environment. That accountability rests with each of us.