A Cross-Sectional Description of Parental Perceptions and Practices Related to Risky Play and Independent Mobility in Children: The New Zealand State of Play Survey

Charlotte Jelleyman, Julia McPhee, Mariana Brussoni, Anita Bundy and Scott Duncan
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Charlotte Jelleyman: Human Potential Centre, School of Sport and Recreation, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
Julia McPhee: Human Potential Centre, School of Sport and Recreation, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
Mariana Brussoni: Department of Pediatrics, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Children’s’ Hospital Research Institute, British Columbia Injury Research and Prevention Unit, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4, Canada
Anita Bundy: Professor and Department Head, Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
Scott Duncan: Human Potential Centre, School of Sport and Recreation, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 0632, New Zealand

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 2, 1-19

Abstract: The potential for risky play and independent mobility to increase children’s physical activity, and enhance cognitive development and emotional wellbeing has been recognised for some time. The aim of this study was to describe the attitudes of New Zealand parents towards such risky play practices and independent mobility, the barriers preventing them from allowing their children to participate, and how often their children engaged in risky play activities. An online survey comprised mostly of validated scales and standardised questions was completed by a nationally representative sample of 2003 parents. We found that parents had neutral feelings about the risk of injury to their child through play, rather they were concerned about road safety and “stranger danger”. There was strong agreement that there are multiple benefits to be gained from exposure to risk and challenge, and that health and safety rules are too strict. However, 73% of respondents stated that their 5–12 year old child seldom or never engaged in four or more risky activities, and only 14.3% engaged in four or more often or always . While parents agree that their child is likely to benefit from risky play, they do not have the confidence to allow their children to engage in such activities. Future research should address barriers and fears when implementing strategies to facilitate risky play.

Keywords: free play; real play; physical activity; risk tolerance; injury prevention; outdoor play; stranger danger (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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