Risky play is good for children: experts
Posted April 23, 2016 11:31 am.
Last Updated April 23, 2016 11:32 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Here’s a question for parents: why is it kids will always go for the stick and rocks? As playground designers look at different ways to engage kids and encourage physical activity, they’re also considering the benefits of what’s called ‘risky play.”
Recently, UBC Architecture Professor Susan Herrington introduced natural elements into play spaces. She led a study showing things like natural grasses, bamboo and even loose bricks to play with encourage creativity, reduce depression and even make kids more social.
Herrington says bricks, holes and other risky elements are vital for healthy play and development. “We have seen a real rise in anxiety among children and young adults and there is some thought that this might be because they’ve been so protected and bubbled wrapped from taking chances.”
“Risky play is important because children need to learn to take risks because if they’re prevented from taking risk than they don’t know how to deal with risk as adults.”
