---
title: Play Helps Promote Social Equity and Social Skills… | GameTime Canada
description: When children play together, they learn to be more accepting, inclusive, and kind. These skills help them become empathetic adults who value social equality.
image: https://staging-gametime.hs-sites.com/hubfs/GameTimePlay_March2024/images/children-playing-together.jpg
---

# How Play Helps Promote Social Equality

September 2, 2020

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There is a powerful connection between play and social equality. When children play together, they develop important social skills they will use for the rest of their lives. Play is an important factor in shaping a child's path to becoming an adult who accepts others and treats them as equals.

## The Science Behind Play and Social Skills

There's a great [TED Talk](https://www.ted.com/talks/stuart_brown_play_is_more_than_just_fun?language=en) about this subject. In it, Dr. Stuart Brown, MD, founder of the National Institute for Play, described how play impacts social development in humans. Here are some of the highlights from the talk:

- Play makes you more adaptable and flexible in changing situations
- Social play is essential to helping children make meaningful connection with others
- Play promotes creative thinking and equips children to be problem-solvers

Play has a profound impact on our brains. It helps us learn how to regulate our emotions, engage in conversations, work through differences, and respect others' feelings.

## How Play Promotes Social Equity

[Tom Norquist](https://www.gametime.com/tom-norquist) is a board member of the National Institute for Play. He studies play and its benefits for children and adults. He has invented some of the most popular playground products in the world.

He's seen the power of play firsthand. Regardless of age, race, or culture, everyone can enjoy play. And playing together breaks down social barriers.

“It’s natural for all people to be in a playful state together,” says Norquist. “We laugh. We play. We have a good time. That shapes the way I feel about people for the rest of my life.”

*Tom Norquist talks about how play brings people together and shapes the way people feel about one another*

## Learn More About the Importance of Play

GameTime’s parent company, PlayCore, has many [resources](https://www.gametime.com/resources) to help you be an advocate for play. Whether you want to design inclusive play spaces or encourage children and families to be more active together, we have research and programming to equip you.

Contact one of the [GameTime play experts](http://staging-gametime.hs-sites.com/contact-us) in your neighborhood to learn more. Let’s work together to create a more equitable and playful world for generations to come.

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