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 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.
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.
Here are some practical ways families and facilitators can create culturally safe play spaces:
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.
As we look forward to Children's Week, the Connecting the Dots through Culture team encourages you to:
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