Risky outdoor play in the early years

How Are Parental and Practitioner Perceptions of Danger and Benefits Associated With Young Children's Outdoor Play Experiences

Datos Bibliográficos

ID4485854
AutoresP Mccrorie (0000-0001-6757-6926, University of Glasgow), Andrew Johnstone (0000-0003-3906-8603, University of Glasgow), Natalie Nicholls (0000-0003-0745-7065, University of Glasgow), Marine Keime (University of Glasgow), Boris Jidovtseff (0000-0002-7535-8993, University of Liège), Anne Martins (0000-0003-1614-6525, University of Glasgow)
Año2025
Volumen14
Número2
Páginas120-138
Fecha de publicación2025-04-03
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Play (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2159-4937 • E-ISSN: 2159-4953
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/21594937.2025.2508649
PMID40757176
OpenAlexW4412028096
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas47

Against a backdrop of generational declines in outdoor play and recent work demonstrating geo-cultural differences in adult perceptions of risk in outdoor play, this paper explores the relationships between gatekeeper (parent/practitioner) perceptions of dangers and benefits in outdoor risky play scenarios and young children's (aged 2-5 years old) experiences of outdoor play in Scotland, and whether these are moderated by being a parent or practitioner. A contextually relevant picture-based survey asked parents (n = 205) and practitioners (n = 151) to rate six different outdoor risky play scenarios based on their level of danger and benefits. The outcome variable was number of outdoor play scenarios children experienced. Ordinal logistic regression analyses were supported by the variables: respondent age, respondent experiences as a child, child age, perceptions of road traffic, and urbanicity of home/practitioner setting. Results suggested that an increasing number of perceived dangers was generally reflected in lower odds of the children having play experiences. This effect was consistent regardless of being a parent or practitioner. When perceived benefits were included in the model the effects of perceived danger became non-significant. Contributing Scottish evidence to the wider literature supports context specific intervention efforts promoting the benefits of outdoor (risky) play

Developmental psychology · Environmental health · Perception · Child Therapy and Development · Medicine · Outdoor and Experiential Education · Psychology · Urban Green Space and Health