Climbing trees, jumping off walls and playing outside without adult supervision are all the type of risky play that have long given children a thrill. And now science has rubber-stamped adventurous play, with a new study revealing it builds resilience and protects mental health.
Children who spend more time playing adventurously have lower symptoms of anxiety and depression, and were happier over the first Covid-19 lockdown, according to University of Exeter study. In the study, parents of five to 11-year-olds were asked how often their children engaged in play that was ‘thrilling and exciting’, where they might experience some fear and uncertainty.
Researchers found that children who spend more time playing outside had fewer ‘internalising problems’, such as anxiety and depression. Those children were also more positive during the pandemic lockdown. The association was found to be even stronger for children from lower income families than their peers from wealthier backgrounds.
This is really positive because play is free, instinctive and rewarding for children, available to everyone, and doesn't require special skills
‘We're more concerned than ever about children's mental health, and our findings highlight that we might be able to help protect children's mental health by ensuring they have plentiful opportunities for adventurous play,’ says Helen Dodd, Professor of Child Psychology at the of the University of Exeter. ‘This is really positive because play is free, instinctive and rewarding for children, available to everyone, and doesn't require special skills. We now urgently need to invest in and protect natural spaces, well-designed parks and adventure playgrounds, to support the mental health of our children.’
Previous research on behalf of Save the Children revealed that nine in 10 children said that the pandemic had affected the way they play, with more than half playing outside with their friends less than before the pandemic.
‘Every child needs and deserves opportunities to play,’ agrees Dan Paskins, Director of UK Impact at Save the Children. ‘This important research shows that this is even more vital to help children thrive after all they have missed out on during the Covid-19 restrictions. More play means more happiness and less anxiety and depression.’
That's why Save the Children is supporting the Summer of Play campaign which brings together organisations from around the country to pledge their support to enable children to have fun, spend time with friends and enjoy freedom.
Adventurous play helps children to build the resilience needed to cope with, and manage stress in challenging circumstances
‘This research emphasises the importance of adventurous play,’ adds Jacqueline O'Loughlin, Chief Executive of PlayBoard NI. ‘Children and young people need freedom and opportunities to encounter challenge and risk in their everyday playful adventures. It is clear from the research findings that playing, taking risks and experiencing excitement outdoors makes a positive contribution to children's mental health and emotional wellbeing. The rewards of allowing children to self-regulate and manage challenge in their play are widespread and far-reaching. Adventurous play helps children to build the resilience needed to cope with, and manage stress in challenging circumstances.’
For more ideas for fabulous, fun and free ways to play out, browse our other stories below. Or check out the ideas at Summer of Play.
