Thank you to our guest writer Jackie Bennett from Connecting the Dots Through Culture for her insights into the universal language of play and how making play culturally safe is an essential and requirement of child safeguarding.
Play as a Universal Language
At Connecting the Dots through Culture, we see every day how powerful play can be. Whether it’s children running barefoot on Mother Earth, swimming in the Torres Strait, or sharing hand-clapping games from across the globe, play is the universal language of childhood.
Play is how children, our future old people learn, connect, and discover who they are. But for play to truly flourish, it must also be safe.
Safe Play and the Universal Principle
Safe Play Matters, an initiative of Play Matters Australia, supports staff and communities to reflect on what it means to keep children safe. The training is grounded in the Universal Principle: all children have the right to be safe, included, and respected. You can view the webinar on What Families Need to Know About Safeguarding Children.
At Connecting the Dots through Culture, we know that one of the most powerful ways to bring this principle to life is by acknowledging and respecting culture. When play spaces reflect the cultures of the children and families who belong to them, they become safer, more inclusive, and more meaningful.
Safeguarding Through Culture
Child safeguarding isn’t just about protecting children from harm, it’s about creating environments where they feel a deep sense of belonging and pride in who they are.
When Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and culturally diverse children see themselves reflected in their environments, through stories, songs, and languages - they feel safe, secure, and included. When their parents and carers feel respected and represented, they’re more confident to participate and engage. And when facilitators embed cultural perspectives into everyday play, they’re actively building safe, strong, and connected communities.
Safe play builds trust. It fosters resilience. It gives children the freedom to explore, learn, and grow.
Play is universal, but it’s also beautifully diverse. From traditional weaving and dancing to storytelling in many languages, play reflects cultural identity. Safeguarding ensures this diversity can thrive. By embedding culture into play, we nurture creativity, honour traditions, and strengthen children’s sense of belonging, being, and becoming.
Practical Ways to Embed Culture in Play
Here are some practical ways families and facilitators can create culturally safe play spaces:
- Storytelling and Songs – Invite families to share traditional stories, rhymes, or hand games, if they feel comfortable.
- Play Resources – Use books, dolls, puzzles, and puppets that reflect Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
- Art and Craft – Explore weaving, painting, or patterns inspired by cultures from around the world.
- Language and Welcome – Use greetings in local languages where possible.
- Celebrations – Acknowledge and celebrate cultural days of significance with food, music, and storytelling.
- Connection to Mother Earth – Encourage outdoor play that connects children to land, water, sky, and the gifts of nature, such as the birds, animals, flowers, and trees.
A Shared Responsibility
Creating safe spaces for play is a shared responsibility. When we combine safeguarding principles with cultural respect, we create environments where all children can thrive.
A Call to Action
As we look forward to Children's Week, the Connecting the Dots through Culture team encourages you to:
- Reflect on how you currently embed culture into your playgroup and environments.
- Consider: What do your environments look and feel like for a child and their family?
- Start conversations about child safety with families and carers in your community.
- Explore ways to bring the Universal Principle, that all children have the right to be safe, included, and respected, into your program and everyday play.
When children feel safe in their culture, they are free to play, learn, and grow. And when children thrive, so do our communities.
- Jackie Bennett, Cultural Consultant and Educator, Connecting The Dots Through Culture
.jpg)
