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Academic Research Series -Risky Play Benefits
Research Overview
Title of Paper: Risky Play and Children’s Well‐Being, Involvement and Physical Activity
Authors: Ole Johan Sando, Rasmussen Kleppe, Ellen Beate Hansen Sandseter
Year of publication: 2021
Journal of publication: Child Indicators Research
Link to article: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12187-021-09804-
The phrase “risky play” often evokes images of scraped knees, cries for help, and calls for caution, yet if we think back in time, these activities were once staple elements of a normal childhood - climbing trees, roaming freely in neighbourhoods, and building forts with rocks and branches. However, in recent years, the over-emphasis on protecting children and eliminating any potential dangers in the environment has removed the opportunities for many children to reap the benefits that risky play affords. Risky play is not just simply acts of seeking heart-pounding moments (or causing adults to have heart-pounding moments), it is a fundamental part of growing up, offering children opportunities to explore their limits, develop resilience, and foster a sense of adventure.
A recent research published in Child Indicators Research further highlights the positive impact of risky play on children’s development, linking it to higher levels of well-being, involvement, and physical activity. This research serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing safety with the developmental benefits of risky play, emphasizing the creation of early childhood environments that not only ensure safety but also promote enriching experiences that encourage children to explore their capabilities.
WHAT QUESTIONS DID THE RESEARCHERS TRY TO ANSWER
How is engagement in risky play in early childhood education and care settings associated with children’s well-being?
How is engagement in risky play in early childhood education and care settings associated with children’s engagement?
How is engagement in risky play in early childhood education and care settings associated with children’s physical activity levels?
HOW WAS THE RESEARCH CONDUCTED?
This study involved the random selection of 79 children (40 boys and 39 girls) aged 3.8 to 5.8 years old, from 8 early childhood education and care (ECEC) institutions in Norway. Video observations were carried out for each individual child during a normal day at the ECEC centre both indoors and outdoors, totalling six 2-minute observations for each child. The videos were analyzed to measure children’s risky play, well-being, involvement, and physical activity.
WHAT DO ALL THESE TERMS MEAN?
Risky play: Behaviours categorized into the following: 1) Play with great heights, 2) Play with high speed, 3) Play with dangerous tools, 4) Play near dangerous elements, 5) Rough-and-tumble play, 6) Play where children go exploring alone, 7) Play with impact, and 8) Vicarious risk (watching other children engage in risk)
Well-being: The degree to which children feel at ease, act spontaneously and show vitality and self-confidence. Higher well-being in children is linked to improved mental health, enhanced academic performance, better social relationships, increased resilience to stress and adversity, and overall healthier physical development. This study measured well-being using the Leuven Well-Being Scale that rates the following on a scale from one to five: 1) Outspoken signs of distress, 2) Signs of distress predominate, 3) A mixed picture, no outspoken signs, 4) Signs of enjoyment predominate, and 5) Outspoken signs of enjoyment
Involvement: The degree to which children have directed their attention and are engaged and concentrated in activities. It is linked to deeper learning, higher cognitive engagement, greater creativity, and the development of intrinsic motivation, all of which are crucial for their holistic development and academic success. For this study, it was measured using the Leuven Involvement Scale that rates on the following on a scale of one to five: 1) No activity, 2) Interrupted activity, 3) Activity without intensity, 4) Activity with intense moments, and 5) Continuous intense activity
Physical activity: Bodily movement produced by the skeletal muscles that result in energy expenditure. Physical activity is essential because it is associated with numerous benefits, including improved physical health, enhanced cognitive function, better emotional well-being, and reduced risk of developing chronic diseases later in life.
The Children’s Activity Rating Scale was used to rate children’s physical activity on the following levels:
1) Stationary or motionless
2) Stationary with limb or trunk movements
3) Slow, easy movements
4) Moderate movements, and..
5) Fast movements.
WHAT DID THEY FIND?
Risky play was significantly and positively associated with children’s well-being.
Risky play was significantly and positively associated with children’s involvement.
Risky play was significantly and positively associated with children’s physical activity.
These associations were found regardless of children’s age and gender.
WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?
The group of children in this study showed that the more they engaged in risky play, the more they showed signs of well-being, and engagement in activities, and were more physically active.
DIRECT INSIGHTS FOR YOUR DECISION-MAKING
For Educators:
Incorporate Risky Play into the Curriculum: Integrate elements of risky play into daily routines and learning activities. This could involve outdoor exploration, using tools that require supervision, or activities that challenge physical capabilities, all within a safely monitored environment.
Facilitate a Balanced Approach to Risk: Create learning environments that encourage risk-taking within safe boundaries. This means designing playgrounds and indoor spaces that stimulate children's curiosity and sense of adventure while ensuring their safety.
Communicate the Value of Risky Play: Share the positive outcomes of risky play with colleagues and parents, highlighting its role in promoting well-being, involvement, and physical activity. Make sure parents have proper expectations of what types of activities children may be involved in while in your care, and always communicate any incidences that happen.
For Parents:
Support Risky Play at Home: Encourage activities that allow your children to explore their limits, such as climbing, jumping, or balancing activities. Ensure these activities are appropriately supervised and occur in safe environments.
Understand the Benefits and Accept Minor Injuries: Recognize that risky play is crucial for your child's development. It helps in building resilience, confidence, and physical skills. While it is inevitable that minor scrapes or bruises can occur, understand that it is part of the learning process, helping children learn from their experiences and develop a better sense of risk-management.
Advocate for Opportunities: Seek out and advocate for play spaces and schools that understand and implement the principles of risky play, ensuring your child has ample opportunities for growth.
For Policymakers:
Reevaluate Safety Standards and Guidelines: Consider the findings from recent research to inform the development of guidelines that support risky play. This might involve revising playground safety standards or early childhood education policies to encourage more dynamic play opportunities.
Support Educator and Parent Education: Fund and support initiatives that educate educators and parents about the benefits of risky play. This could include professional development for teachers, public awareness campaigns, or resources for parents.
Invest in Appropriate Play Spaces: Allocate resources towards the development of play environments that balance safety with opportunities for risky play. This includes designing public parks and school playgrounds that offer various challenges for children of different ages.
WRAPPING IT UP
Embracing risky play does not mean disregarding safety. Instead, it invites us to consider a new approach to understanding risk, one that recognizes the inherent value of these experiences in developing competent, confident, happy, and healthy children. By carefully integrating risky play back into children’s lives, we can provide them with the tools they need to navigate the world around them. Remember, within every moment of risk lies a profound opportunity for growth. So let’s rekindle the spirit of adventure that has traditionally been a hallmark of childhood, and bring risky play back into our children’s lives.
Disclaimer:
The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered conclusive. It is intended as supplementary information and should not be used as the sole basis for making important decisions.
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