Riskier Playgrounds May Lead To Emotionally Healthier Kids

Jul 20th, 2011

Riskier Playgrounds May Lead To Emotionally Healthier Kids

(New York Times)

Some researchers question the value of safety-first playgrounds. Even if children do suffer fewer physical injuries, critics say that these playgrounds may stunt emotional development, leaving children with anxieties and fears that are ultimately worse than a broken bone.

“Children need to encounter risks and overcome fears on the playground,” said Ellen Sandseter, a professor of psychology at Queen Maud University in Norway. “I think monkey bars and tall slides are great. As playgrounds become more and more boring, these are some of the few features that still can give children thrilling experiences with heights and high speed.”

·       After observing children on playgrounds in Norway, England and Australia, Dr. Sandseter identified six categories of risky play: exploring heights, experiencing high speed, handling dangerous tools, being near dangerous elements (like water or fire), rough-and-tumble play (like wrestling), and wandering alone away from adult supervision. The most common is climbing heights.

·       A child who’s hurt in a fall before the age of 9 is less likely as a teenager to have a fear of heights.

·       By gradually exposing themselves to more and more dangers on the playground, children are using the same habituation techniques developed by therapists to help adults conquer phobias.

·       Reducing the height of playground equipment may produce unintended consequences among bigger children. “Older children are discouraged from taking healthy exercise on playgrounds because they have been designed with the safety of the very young in mind.”