From speed races on scooters to climbing trees in the yard ‘risky play’ is being increasingly embraced in creches and schools across the country – but just how dangerous is it?
There are six types of risky play – playing at a height, playing at speed, dangerous tools, dangerous elements, rough and tumble and getting lost.
In a report on The Pat Kenny Show, Newstalk's Sarah Madden visited St Patrick’s National School in Slane, County Meath, to see it in action.
Teachers Ruth Collins and Lorna Murphy introduced the concept to the school two-years ago, with the goal of showing children how much fun they can have outside.
Pupils are seen playing in the school's playground. Photo by Aurore Marechal/ABACAPRESS.COM. May 25, 2020.“Children don’t seem to have the freedom anymore that we used to have when we were younger,” Ms Murphy said.
“Studies have shown that it’s much older now that they’re allowed to go off and play on their own.
“Children spend a lot more time inside watching television, using video games, all that stuff.
“So, I suppose we just want to bring it back, show them how much fun they can have outside with their friends and engage in different risks.”
According to Children’s Health Ireland, research from 2022 has shown that only 23% of primary school students are meeting recommended physical activity guidelines.
'Less resilient adults'
DCU associate professor in social, environmental and scientific education Dr Orla Kelly said that keeping children from experiencing danger makes them less resilient in the future.
“There was that idea of wrapping our children up and keeping them from any danger – but actually when we do that, it makes them less resilient as adults,” she said.
“Not just physically but, actually, just in terms of any emotional risks or other things they might have to deal with in life.
“So, it’s about children accessing something that’s challenging and, maybe, slightly dangerous and gives them butterflies in their tummies.
"They get over that and then they get the sense of, ‘Oh wow, I achieved that’.”
Dr Kelly believes that risky play should be built into the school curriculum.
