Unsafe play areas: Nearly half of the children avoid visiting them regularly
In a recent study conducted by ESP Play, a leading playground equipment specialist, it has been revealed that a significant number of parents are concerned about the safety and condition of playgrounds. The study found that 54% of parents are urging local authorities to do more to ensure playgrounds become a safe haven for children to explore once again.
The main reason for keeping children away from playgrounds, as stated by two out of five parents, is the poor condition of the equipment. One in three children have suffered an accident or injury due to poor quality equipment, according to the study. Safety concerns are the biggest barrier for more than a third of parents, while hygiene issues, including excessive dog faeces, are the top worry for over a quarter.
The study also highlighted that half of all parents say that their children do not go to playgrounds. One in two UK children rarely or never visit playgrounds, according to the research. Poor maintenance and safety hazards in playgrounds not only endanger children's physical safety but also impede their social and emotional development, according to Andrew Wood, Managing Director of ESP Play.
Professor Helen Dodd, a renowned expert in child development, emphasised the importance of children having access to good quality playgrounds. She claimed that play is essential for a happy, healthy childhood. Having time and space to play gives children the opportunity to express themselves, explore, be physically active, take risks, and have freedom to choose what they want to do.
To address these concerns, local authorities can implement regular, thorough inspection and maintenance routines combined with the use of safe surfacing and active supervision. This holistic approach ensures that playgrounds remain safe, inviting environments that foster children's physical and mental well-being while boosting parental confidence in playground safety.
Key steps include frequent inspections, timely repairs and replacements, surface safety improvements, active supervision and clear rules, seasonal care, and community engagement and communication. By integrating these measures, local authorities can maintain safe, enjoyable playground environments that support children's overall development.
In a statement, Andrew Wood commented on the findings, stating that the nation is letting children down by not giving them access to safe and enjoyable outdoor play spaces. He further added that it is really important that children have access to good quality playgrounds.
The study also revealed that 44% of parents revealed that their children play on their phones instead of going to the park, while 39% of parents revealed that their children play video games instead of going outdoors. This trend is concerning as it highlights the need for safe and engaging playgrounds to attract children away from screens and back into the outdoors.
In conclusion, the study underscores the urgent need for local authorities to prioritise playground safety and maintenance. By doing so, they can not only ensure the physical safety of children but also contribute to their social and emotional development, ultimately fostering a generation of happy, healthy, and well-rounded individuals.
- Considering the study, it's crucial for local authorities to emphasize on science-backed methods for maintaining and improving playground conditions, as poor equipment and health-and-wellness concerns, like hygiene or safety hazards, are significant factors deterring children from playgrounds.
- The integration of science in health-and-wellness practices, such as stated by Professor Helen Dodd, illustrates the importance of children's play for their overall development. Therefore, local authorities should utilize this knowledge to design safe and engaging playgrounds, encouraging children to engage in outdoor activities rather than relying excessively on screens.
