“ The risk is that there is ‘ no risk ’.”
The Benefits of risky Play
Challenges and risky experiences during play are extremely important for children ’ s development . Here , children acquire their skills and competencies that prepare them for adulthood .
Ellen Sandseter , an associate professor at Queen Maud University , claims that risky play is appropriate and perfectly normal for a child ’ s development due to the anti-phobic effect . If children don ’ t have the opportunity to play risky games , they will never get an experience in handling anxiety-provoking situations : “ Fear caused by maturational and age relevant natural inhibition is reduced as the child experiences a motivating thrilling activation , while learning to master age adequate challenges .”
“ Hindering children from partaking in age adequate risky play may result in increases in neuroticism and phobias in adulthood .”
If children lack risky experiences , there is a chance they will grow up anxious and unprepared for real life . According to the Norwegian psychologist , it would be much worse than a broken arm , a bruise , or a brain concussion .
Children cope with increasingly hazardous situations step by step and thereby gain risk competence , self-confidence , and the ability to face and navigate difficulties . Risky play also promotes social behavior . For example , children help each other out when the climbing gets difficult by giving the climbers clues about their next moves . In addition , risky playgrounds encourage children to be more active , compared to monotonous playscapes that are less stimulating for physical activity .
With play equipment that looks challenging , certain risks can be easily recognized . As a result , users are deliberately more cautious . If children overcome the obstacle too quickly , they start looking for the next challenge . Then adjacent rooftops or construction sites , offering more thrills but posing greater dangers at the same time , draw their attention . David Ball , professor of risk management at Middlesex University in London , states that too many safety measures prevent older children from going wild on playgrounds . They look for more dangerous places or abandon healthy exercises altogether . Thus , effective protection against serious accidents is not about eliminating risks but making them visible . “ The risk is that there is ‘ no risk ’, ” sums up Anita Bundy from the University of Sydney .
We strive for an optimal balance between safety and age appropriate , predictable risks for these reasons . Therefore , playgrounds turn into places of learning where children learn how to spot and control dangers , master stressful situations , and take personal responsibility . It is the only way for children to prepare for the great adventure of life .
Berliner Play equipment for life
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