Shifts in Play Experiences and Impact on Preschool Children’s Development During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged lockdowns severely disrupted opportunities for play among preschool children. Play is a vital aspect of early childhood, fostering both physical and mental development, as active play strengthens physical ability and supports emotional, social, and cognitive growth. This qualitative study examined the consequences of restricted play during the pandemic on children’s health and development in Bangladesh. Results indicated that limited opportunities for active play adversely affected both physical and mental well-being, with mental health being more significantly compromised. Commonly reported issues included overall decline in health, irritability, increased reliance on electronic devices, irregular sleep patterns, unhealthy dietary changes, delays in language development, and reduced socialization. Parents and guardians faced substantial challenges in addressing their children’s play needs. The greatest difficulty was restricting outdoor play, while simultaneously attempting to create safe indoor play arrangements, reorganize household space, and introduce new activities. Despite these efforts, many were unable to meet children’s developmental needs within the confines of the home. These findings underscore the essential role of play in early childhood and highlight the importance of developing supportive strategies to protect child development during future public health emergencies.