Risky outdoor play may boost kids' creativity, social skills

Risky outdoor play which involves activities such as climbing and jumping, rough and tumble play, may boost creativity, social skills and resilience in children, a new study has found.
The research from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada and the Child & Family Research Institute at BC Children's Hospital found that children who engage in risky outdoor play see greater physical and social health benefits.
"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," Brussoni said.
Playgrounds that offer natural elements such as trees and plants, changes in height, and freedom for children to engage in activities of their own choosing, have positive impacts on health, behaviour and social development, researchers said.
Safety concerns for their children are seen as the main reason for which parents limit risky outdoor play.

Researchers found that playground safety standards and too much supervision prevented children from engaging in risky activities.
"Monitoring children's activities may be a more appropriate approach than active supervision, particularly for older children," said Brussoni.

The study was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.