Protective Factor: Play

Play: Brain growth and development, stress relief, and exercise.

Published by: BC Healthy Communities + Vancouver Coastal Health

This resource explains how play supports child and youth mental well-being through brain growth and development, stress relief, and physical activity.

It highlights the value of a mix of play types (indoor/outdoor, structured/free, supervised/independent) and offers practical actions communities can take to create more inclusive, accessible places for play.