The Case for Risky Play

Remember playgrounds? I’m talking about the real deal: towering metal structures, splintery wooden forts, rocket ships you could climb up into for forever, and swings that sent you soaring; playgrounds where skinned knees and the occasional lost tooth were badges of honour, not cause for panic.

Today, those playgrounds are becoming an endangered species. In their place, we’ve erected sanitised, plastic-coated play areas that prioritise safety over adventure. Rather than making playgrounds as safe as necessary, we’re making them as safe as possible.

We’ve become so obsessed with a well-intentioned desire to protect our kids from every possible bump and bruise that we’ve forgotten something crucial: kids need risk.

They need to climb, jump, fall, and get back up again. They need to test their limits, push their boundaries, and experience the thrill of conquering a challenge.

Researchers like New York University’s Jonathan Haidt have linked the decline in risky play to the rising rates of anxiety and depression Professor McGorry describes in his recent studies. The argument: kids who are constantly shielded from risk may grow up feeling ill-equipped to handle life’s inevitable challenges.

It makes sense, though. We love our kids. We want them to be safe. The last thing we want is for them to break their arm. And yet… aren’t those some of the very best stories we tell for the rest of our lives? Stories of adventure and misfortune; stories about how we scored our scars?

Let’s be clear. Risky play is not:

· Ignoring evidence-based and mandated safety measures (e.g., the use of helmets, car seats, life jackets, stair safety gates).

· Leaving children unsupervised in potentially hazardous situations (e.g., street play in traffic areas).

· Pushing children to take risks beyond their own comfort level.

I’m not suggesting that we throw caution to the wind or encourage reckless behaviour. It’s about finding a balance. It’s about creating playgrounds and environments where kids can explore their limits within a safe and supportive framework. It’s about encouraging them to climb trees, build forts, and jump off swings, while also providing guidance and supervision.

The benefits of risky play are undeniable.

Studies have shown that kids who engage in such play:

· Are less likely to develop anxiety and depression.

· Have better social skills, improved physical coordination, and enhanced creativity.

· Are more likely to take initiative, demonstrate leadership qualities, and persevere in the face of challenges.

Research also shows that risky play is essential for building resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills. It helps kids learn to assess risk, make decisions, and navigate the world on their own terms.

By denying children of those opportunities, we’re not just robbing them of fun – we’re stunting their development.

Source: Dr Justin Coulson, HappyFamilies.com