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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

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    Professor of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia)

  • Scott Duncan

    (Human Potential Centre, School of Sport and Recreation, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 0632, New Zealand)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Charlotte Jelleyman & Julia McPhee & Mariana Brussoni & Anita Bundy & Scott Duncan, 2019. "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," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-19, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:2:p:262-:d:198684
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mariana Brussoni & Lise L. Olsen & Ian Pike & David A. Sleet, 2012. "Risky Play and Children’s Safety: Balancing Priorities for Optimal Child Development," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 9(9), pages 1-15, August.
    2. Mariana Brussoni & Rebecca Gibbons & Casey Gray & Takuro Ishikawa & Ellen Beate Hansen Sandseter & Adam Bienenstock & Guylaine Chabot & Pamela Fuselli & Susan Herrington & Ian Janssen & William Picket, 2015. "What is the Relationship between Risky Outdoor Play and Health in Children? A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-32, June.
    3. Casey Gray & Rebecca Gibbons & Richard Larouche & Ellen Beate Hansen Sandseter & Adam Bienenstock & Mariana Brussoni & Guylaine Chabot & Susan Herrington & Ian Janssen & William Pickett & Marlene Powe, 2015. "What Is the Relationship between Outdoor Time and Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Physical Fitness in Children? A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-20, June.
    4. Penelope Carroll & Karen Witten & Robin Kearns & Phil Donovan, 2015. "Kids in the City: Children's Use and Experiences of Urban Neighbourhoods in Auckland, New Zealand," Journal of Urban Design, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(4), pages 417-436, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Oliver, Brooke E. & Nesbit, Rachel J. & McCloy, Rachel & Harvey, Kate & Dodd, Helen F., 2023. "Adventurous play for a healthy childhood: Facilitators and barriers identified by parents in Britain," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 323(C).
    2. Martin van Rooijen & Kristine De Martelaer & Gerty Lensvelt-Mulders & Lisette van der Poel & Mieke Cotterink, 2023. "“It Is Scary, but Then I Just Do It Anyway”: Children’s Experiences and Concerns about Risk and Challenge during Loose Parts Play," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(22), pages 1-17, November.
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    6. Helen F. Dodd & Lily FitzGibbon & Brooke E. Watson & Rachel J. Nesbit, 2021. "Children’s Play and Independent Mobility in 2020: Results from the British Children’s Play Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-20, April.
    7. Fernando Rodríguez-Rodríguez & Francisco Javier Huertas-Delgado & Yaira Barranco-Ruiz & María Jesús Aranda-Balboa & Palma Chillón, 2020. "Are the Parents’ and Their Children’s Physical Activity and Mode of Commuting Associated? Analysis by Gender and Age Group," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-16, September.
    8. Boris Jidovtseff & Florence Pirard & Anne Martin & Paul McCrorie & Andora Vidal & Elodie Pools, 2022. "Parental Assessment of Benefits and of Dangers Determines Children’s Permission to Play Outdoors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-22, September.
    9. Natsuko Imai & Akiko Shikano & Tetsuhiro Kidokoro & Shingo Noi, 2022. "Risky Play and Social Behaviors among Japanese Preschoolers: Direct Observation Method," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-11, June.

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