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?

Abstract

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.