A new study from UBC says that it’s worth the risk for kids to play outside.
Research from UBC and the Child & Family Research Institute at BC Children’s Hospital reveals that not only is risky outdoor play good for children’s health, but it also encourages creativity, social skills, and resilience. Published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the study found that children who did activities like climbing, jumping, rough and tumble play, and exploring alone showed better physical and social health.
“We found that play environments where children could take risks promoted increased play time, social interactions, creativity and resilience,” said Mariana Brussoni, lead author of the study, and assistant professor in UBC’s School of Population and Public Health and Department of Pediatrics. “These positive results reflect the importance of supporting children’s risky outdoor play opportunities as a means of promoting children’s health and active lifestyles.”
Playgrounds with natural elements like trees, plants, changes in height, and freedom for children to choose their activities were seen to have positive impacts on health behaviour, and social development. “These spaces give children a chance to learn about risk and learn about their own limits,” said Brussoni, also a scientist in the British Columbia Injury Research & Prevention Unit at the Child & Family Research Institute at BC Children’s Hospital.
The main reason for limiting risky outdoor play is generally safety concerns. As a result, researchers found that safety standards at playgrounds as well as too much supervision stopped children from participating in risky activities.
“Monitoring children’s activities may be a more appropriate approach than active supervision, particularly for older children,” said Brussoni. “We recommend considering policy, practice and built environment approaches to risky outdoor play that balance safety with children’s other health outcomes.”
The study coincides with ParticipACTION’s first position statement on active outdoor play, saying that the risky behaviours are beneficial for children while indoor play comes with its own risks, like inactivity and increased screen time.
“We need to recognize the difference between danger and risk. And we need to value long-term health and fun as much as we value safety,” reads ParticipACTION’s position statement.
A report released recently by ParticipACTION gave Canadian kids an overall D- in physical activity.
