· Global partners have successfully called on the United Nations to adopt an International Day of Play to champion and protect children’s right to play.

· The International Day of Play will be June 11th, with the inaugural celebration to take place in 2024.

· Global research surveying more than 25,000 children across 36 countries reveals that as many as 73% of children don’t believe adults take play – and how it can help them learn – seriously*.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., March 26, 2024 – Play is a fundamental right for every child. Yet, the importance of play in helping children develop life-long skills is often forgotten. With only 30% of adults aware that play is a fundamental birth right adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 1989** there is an urgent need to put play back on the agenda.

To drive this ambition forward, a dedicated network of global organisations, play experts and, most importantly, children & youth themselves, have called on UN member states to support the resolution for an International Day of Play. Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) together with other founding members of the movement are proud to announce that the UN General Assembly has adopted this international awareness day.

"The Mattel Children’s Foundation proudly joins our global partners in championing the UN's adoption of the International Day of Play,” said Nancy Molenda, Executive Director of the Mattel Children’s Foundation. “This initiative reaffirms our belief that play is a transformative force for positive change in children's lives, and Mattel is committed to our philanthropic initiatives to empower generations to reach their full potential and ensure all children have opportunities to play and thrive."

The world needs more play
Play is universal and taps into children’s natural enthusiasm and curiosity to learn. It teaches them to explore and wonder, connect ideas and experiences, and gain a deeper understanding of the world. When children play, they develop essential life skills, which are fundamental to their own and society’s progress.

Amine, Child and Youth Advisory Group member, France, said: “Play is not just for fun. It’s an essential part of our human nature. It’s through play that we learn, grow, and develop skills that will shape our future.”

This is why the International Day of Play network of organizations are committed to driving a global play movement for children everywhere for generations to come. The work was initiated by the LEGO Group and the LEGO Foundation in partnership with Mattel, ADEA, Arup, BRAC, Change X, Concerned for Working Children, Eurochild, Hasbro, INGKA, International Play Association, IRC, KidZania, NIKE, Inc., PEDAL, Plan International, Right To Play International, Save the Children, and Sesame Workshop.

The movement draws on further global insights*** revealing that, on average, three in five (59%) children would like to play more than they do now, whilst four in five (79%) of children would like to play more with their parents or carer. Research also shows that eight

in ten (78%) of children say grown-ups don't always think playing is important and seven in ten (73%) don’t believe grown-ups take play – and how it can help them learn – seriously****.

Play is never just play
UNICEF estimates that 160 million children around the world are working instead of playing or learning*****. Yet, even in their darkest moments, children can find their way back to hope, health and happiness through play. Because play is never just play. Play is powerful. The power of play unlocks potential, instils confidence, saves lives, heals and creates a world of possibilities.

The adoption of a UN resolution for a day centered around play, takes children’s right one step further. It creates a unifying moment at the local, national, and global levels to elevate the importance of play as central to children’s learning and wellbeing – ensuring time to play, space to play, and support for quality play is prioritized.

The coalition of partners of International Day of Play is celebrating that this important movement has now been ratified, recognizing the true power of play at the highest political level. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the power of play on June 11th this year, and every year thereafter.

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox ® , Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies

About the International Day of Play Survey

Conducted by the Child Friendly Governance Project and YouGov.
Online fieldwork from 01.06.23 - 13.12.2023
The survey was conducted among children aged 10-15 years old drawn from the YouGov panel via their parents. Responses in Mexico and Rwanda were collected by the Child Friendly Governance Project separately.
Total sample of children and youth surveyed by YouGov and Child Friendly Governance Project: 10,148 children were surveyed in 21 countries. Results were weighted by age crossed with gender.
These survey findings were also complimented with play-based workshops with over 600 children, conducted by the LEGO Group and partners, to understand children's views about play.

About International Day of Play
The International Day of Play was led by a Core Group of UN Member States: Vietnam, El Salvador, Bulgaria, Jamaica, Kenya and Luxembourg. This core group worked to mobilise support for the resolution within their region. Find out more at www.internationaldayofplay.org.

Children & Youth Involvement:

A Child & Youth Advisory Group, which includes members from Colombia, France, Germany, India, Sierre Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Spain, has been formed as key consultants for this initiative. As part of their role, they will develop a Child & Youth Call to Action to be shared with world leaders, inviting them to strengthen their commitment to put play on the agenda.

Quotes from Child and Youth Advisory Group members on why play matters to them:

“Play is not just for fun. It’s an essential part of our human nature. It’s through play that we learn, grow, and develop skills that will shape our future.” (Amine, France)  

“Play increases our intelligence, saves our lives, and builds friendships.’’ (Maheshwari, India)  

“Play shaped me into who I am today. Thanks to the challenges, successes and failures, I have been able to explore and address my feelings. But play is not only about understanding yourself, it’s also about discovering the world around you.” (Lilou, France)  

“Play is an adventure where you can create your own world.” (Astrid*, Denmark)  

“Play create bridges to connect with other children.” (Mikkel*, Denmark)  

“Play is a tool to create memories and experiences with others.” (Ida*, Denmark)

*To protect the privacy of children, names have been altered.

Media Contacts:
Casey McDonald
Casey.McDonald@Mattel.com

Niki Kazakos
Niki.Kazakos@Mattel.com