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Expose children to risky play, MPs urge

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Children should play in "risky" places such as near cliffs or water in order to improve their emotional resilience and tackle child obesity, a group of MPs and peers has said.

A report by the All Party Parliamentary Group on a fit and healthy childhood recommends that children should experience risky play, involving “rough and tumble, height, speed, playing near potentially dangerous elements such as water, cliffs and exploring alone with the possibility of getting lost".

It states that outdoor play is currently “impeded” by playgrounds that are "invariably neat and tidy", creating situations that are "neither properly challenging nor exciting".

It calls on the government to encourage using natural materials in playgrounds, and ensure that indoor play environments don't use a "tick-box approach" when complying to standards.

The report cites research stating that a lack of independent play can affect a child’s ability to solve problems, make decisions and feel in control of their lives.

"It is the responsibility of parents, society and government to protect children from undue harm but this should not entail eliminating all risk," the report states.

"There is also a duty on parents and ‘teachers’ of all kinds to prepare children for adulthood, which includes ensuring that they experience a series of measured, intended ‘teaching risks’ so that they might learn important lessons from each experience and therefore be better equipped when ultimately faced with a serious risk at work, when crossing the road, when driving and when called upon to protect the public.

"Parents, teachers and play providers can be ultra-cautious of risk in play, due to fear of harm to the child and also a dread of potential legal consequences. Research shows, however, that perceived danger in play may be excessive in comparison to the actual figures."

The report goes on to state that a failure to provide children with play experiences that are sufficiently risky or challenging may have outcomes that are "potentially hazardous".

"Children need to learn to make their own risk assessments and manage their own limitations as they grow and develop to ensure that they continue to push their own boundaries."

"The corollary of a lack of risk is invariably disengagement and boredom. They may then attempt to use play equipment inappropriately to challenge themselves – for example, by climbing onto the roof of a unit if the nets/slides etc are not of a challenging height.

"This can lead to antisocial behaviours or vandalism of play equipment, or even injury to the child if the equipment is not used for its intended purpose."

The report states that risky play gives children a "crucial sense of competence," which allows them to form a "foundation for the development of healthy self-esteem, self-reliance and resilience in the face of life’s stressors".

The report recommends that parents be able to question decisions that obstruct children’s play on "spurious health and safety grounds".

The report also calls for a cabinet minister to be given responsibility for children's play.

Liberal Democrat peer Floella Benjamin, the group's chair, said: "Play benefits children of all ages in many different settings and should be at the heart of government initiatives to promote their health and wellbeing."

Helen Clark, author of the report, said: "It’s time to see play in all its infinite variety as an essential component of child health of mind and body – and also key to combating the scourge of obesity.

"Play as part of a whole child strategy should be a key priority for policymakers at all levels."

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