Let Kids Be Kids Again
In a bold move to protect children's right to play, Amsterdam’s Sports Advisory Council has released a new report urging city officials to stop treating the sound of children playing as a nuisance. The council says complaints about playground noise are resulting in unnecessary removals of equipment, relocation of parks, and even full closures — a trend they believe must end.
Children's Laughter Is Not Noise Pollution
In bustling cities like Amsterdam, the sounds of children laughing, running, and playing outside are a vital part of urban life, the report argues. Labelling these joyful sounds as “noise pollution” creates a negative image of something that should be celebrated: kids enjoying the outdoors, free and uninhibited.
“The sound of children playing is natural, necessary, and should be welcomed in any healthy city,” the translated report says. “We should be fostering spaces where kids feel free to play, not restricting them due to noise complaints.”
A Call to Update City Bylaws
The council recommends revising local regulations to ensure that normal daytime noise from kids playing in designated playgrounds cannot be classified as a public disturbance. They reference Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which emphasizes every child's right to rest, leisure, and play.
Beyond fun, outdoor play is essential for a child’s development. It promotes physical health, social interaction, and cognitive growth — all vital for building strong communities.
This Isn’t Just Amsterdam’s Problem — Canada Feels It Too
While this report comes out of the Netherlands, the issue hits close to home for many Canadian families.
In Vancouver, a beloved roller slide was dismantled in 2023 after complaints about noise.
A Calgary family shared that their neighbours installed a noise-triggered alarm because their kids played too loudly.
In Coquitlam, a mom was warned by bylaw officers over the volume of her children’s play.
Ottawa officials have cracked down on kids' sports equipment on residential streets.
And in Markham, a man was forced to tear down his backyard ice rink following a prolonged dispute with neighbours and the city.
These examples reveal a concerning pattern: urban spaces are becoming less kid-friendly, often driven by noise complaints from adults who may have forgotten the importance of play.
It’s Time to Prioritize Play
Cities must choose between fostering communities where children can grow and thrive, or silencing them in favour of unrealistic quiet. Experts, parents, and now city councils are calling for a shift in mindset — one that sees outdoor play as a right, not a nuisance.
Let the kids be kids. The laughter echoing from your local park? That’s not noise. That’s the sound of a city growing stronger.
