In homes around the world, play is one of the first ways young children learn, connect and make sense of the world around them. It supports early learning, strengthens relationships with parents and caregivers, and helps children build the social, emotional, language, physical and cognitive skills they need to thrive.

Yet new global data show that millions of young children are missing out on these everyday opportunities. More than 80 million children aged 2 to 4 are not playing with caregivers at home, while around 90 million do not have access to playthings. These gaps are not evenly distributed, with children’s experiences of play shaped by household wealth, caregiver education, location and family dynamics.

The Power of Play: A global data story brings together internationally comparable data from close to 100 countries. It offers a clearer picture of how young children experience play in the home environment, including who they play with, what materials they have access to, and which children are most likely to be left behind.

The evidence points to a global play gap that must be better understood, measured and addressed. Play is often seen as optional, but for young children, it is central to learning, development, care and connection.

Closing the play gap means supporting families and caregivers with the time, information, encouragement, safe spaces and simple materials they need to make play part of daily life.