UTSDGs

Ministry of Education USR Project (2025–2027): Integrating University Social Responsibility into Institutional Development Planning — Expert Consultation Meeting on the "Children's Play and Recreation Act"

Chair Wang Shi-chih of the Department of Social Welfare and Associate Professor Weng Shih-heng of the Department of Psychology and Counseling at the University of Taipei were invited to an expert consultation meeting regarding the "Children's Play and Recreation Bill." Co-initiated by Legislator Chang Ya-lin and the Alliance for Unique Parks (AUP), the meeting brought together interdisciplinary experts and scholars to engage in in-depth discussions on children's right to play, recreational environments, and the content of the proposed legislation. The meeting convened experts such as Professor Chang Hung-chieh from the Department of Public Health at National Taiwan University and Professor Wang Po-yu from National Taiwan Normal University. Together, they examined the importance of children's play spaces and the right to recreation from various perspectives—including public health, social welfare, psychology, education, and child development—with the aim of establishing a more robust institutional foundation for children's right to play in Taiwan. During the meeting, Associate Professor Weng Shi-heng shared Scotland’s experience in advancing policies and legislation regarding children's play. He noted that the Scottish government has elevated children's play to the level of national strategy, viewing the protection of the right to play as a crucial foundation for fostering children's healthy development and enhancing social resilience. Professor Weng emphasized that legally safeguarding the right to play goes beyond merely providing play spaces; it is a vital measure for supporting the mental health and holistic development of children and young people. Director Wang Shi-chih shared insights from the "Social Prescribing" initiative recently implemented by the University of Taipei, discussing the importance of recreational and play needs through the lens of social prescribing. Director Wang pointed out that high-quality play and recreational environments serve as essential resources for supporting the development of children and youth; such environments not only foster social connections and intergenerational inclusion but also enhance child welfare and quality of life. This expert consultation meeting also addressed the future direction of children's playgrounds in Taiwan. While past regulations focused primarily on equipment safety, future efforts must place greater emphasis on the adequacy, level of challenge, and diverse developmental needs of children's play spaces. Through legislative advocacy and interdisciplinary professional exchange, it is hoped that the proposed "Children's Play and Recreation Act" will further safeguard children's right to play and create a child-friendly living environment that better meets their needs. This exchange fostered consensus among academia, civil society organizations, and policymakers, helping to transition the right to play for children and adolescents from conceptual advocacy to institutional implementation, thereby opening up new opportunities for the development of child-friendly cities in Taiwan.

Implemented by Center for Teaching and Learning Development
Date: 2026/05/06