Where has risky play gone?

Why is risky play so essential to children's learning and development?

In recent years, the concept of risky play has gained attention among educators, parents, and child development experts. Essentially risky play refers to activities that involve a degree of risk, such as climbing high, jumping from heights, or exploring unfamiliar structures such as trees. While some may view these activities as dangerous, research suggests that risky play is crucial for children's development. This blog explores the various reasons why engaging in risky play is essential for children and also looks at some recent statistics that show how much risky play is now being avoided.

A child in a climbs up a giant tyre with determination in a forested playground.

Why write this post?

I was having a discussion with a childcare provider recently about why they don't use their outdoor area very much...

We talked about the main reasons:

The weather (obviously)

Having to complete a risk assessment whenever they walked there (challenging and understandable)

But this next one really struck me, she said one of the main reasons was that:

....some of the parents of children at her setting had said that they were worried about their children getting dirty but also that 'something might happen if their children played too much outside.'

What did this mean? I wondered... and it really got me thinking about how you don't see as many children with casts on their legs anymore and that has been quite heavily documented with posts on Instagram, you might possibly agree.

But it isn't just parents, children just prefer to be inside because..... well it's warmer and guess what, devices and toys etc are all inside.

In fact in general, children spend much less time outdoors now and therefore aren't as exposed to risky play through say climbing trees. In fact in a recent Canadian study conducted by MARU/Vision Critical (yes even beautiful Canada) - 35 per cent of children asked said they do not spend time outdoors because they would rather be on digital devices for gaming and social media.

Worrying! That's in Canada, so what would it be in the UK?

So why invest in encouraging and almost facilitating risky play?

1. Promotes Physical Development

Risky play often involves physical challenges that help children develop their motor skills. Climbing, balancing, and jumping require coordination, strength, and agility. These activities not only improve physical fitness but also enhance children's confidence in their abilities.

2. Encourages Risk Assessment and Decision-Making

When children engage in risky play, they learn to assess risks and make decisions accordingly. They evaluate their surroundings, consider potential dangers, and decide how to approach a challenge. This process of risk assessment is vital for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will benefit them throughout life.

3. Builds Resilience

In recent times, I feel like this one is HUGE! Experiencing failure or minor injuries during risky play teaches children how to cope with setbacks. Learning to get back up after a fall or to try again after a failed attempt fosters resilience. Knowing that it is ok to make mistakes and having the ability to bounce back from challenges is an essential life skill that contributes to emotional well-being.

4. Development of Social Skills

Risky play often occurs in group settings, promoting social interaction among children. They learn to communicate, negotiate, and collaborate as they engage in shared activities. These social skills are crucial for building friendships and navigating social environments throughout their lives.

Children work together to negotiate the different rocks to climb.

5. Enhances Creativity and Imagination

Engaging in risky play allows children to explore their creativity and imagination. When children are given the freedom to take risks, they often invent games and scenarios that encourage imaginative play. This type of play stimulates cognitive development and enhances problem-solving abilities.

Parents are objecting more to their children becoming 'dirty' and messy at school and when with childcare providers.

6. Connects Children with Nature

Many forms of risky play occur in natural environments, such as parks or forests. This connection to nature has numerous benefits, including reducing stress and promoting overall well-being. Additionally, exploring natural settings encourages curiosity and a sense of adventure, which are vital for healthy development.

A child in rain boots wanders down a root-laden path beneath a canopy greenery in the woods.

7. Prepares for Adulthood

Engaging in risky play helps children develop skills that are essential for adulthood. From managing risks to making informed decisions, the lessons learned during risky play translate into real-world scenarios. Children who engage in such activities are often better prepared to face the challenges of adult life.

So, what can we as educators and parents do?

Mariana Brussoni, a professor at the University of British Columbia and BC Children’s Hospital, suggests

Practice the 17-second rule

Instead of telling your child not to climb so high or run so fast while observing them at play, take a moment — or, as Brussoni advises, 17 seconds. Step back, she says, and “see how your child is reacting to the situation so that you can actually get a better sense of what they’re capable of when you’re not getting in the way.” Brussoni explains that this will provide them with “the opportunity to figure out for themselves what’s comfortable and what they can do,” while allowing them to develop those all-important risk-management skills.

Another way that we can help is by using our learning environments to help facilitate risky play, so using natural materials such as logs, tree stumps, rocks, water and found materials like old tyres and PVC pipe will offer vast learning opportunities for children. Providing pieces wood of various sizes allow for construction – perhaps building a bridge across water or a small gulley or even a ramp to slide down. This provides the opportunity for children to test their designs and making necessary modifications. 

It can sometimes just take imagination and having some vision. I love helping settings develop their outdoor spaces and learning environments. Please get in touch to have a free initial discussion!

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Conclusion

While it is natural for educators, parents and caregivers to be concerned about safety, it is essential to recognise the value of risky play in children's development. By allowing children to engage in activities that involve risk, we are providing them with opportunities to grow physically, socially, and emotionally. Encouraging risky play is not just about fostering independence; it is about equipping children with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.