Changes in school playground to reduce aggressive behaviour

Abstract

The value of recess or time free of adult control is recognized world wide as being very important in child development because it represents a fundamental part of the school day1, deserving more attention than it often receives. Like the classroom, the house or the neighborhood, this is one of children's important life spaces2. This time of recess is fundamental to children's integration in school, where the social role of the school becomes more visible due to children's freedom to interact with their peers and the environment. Besides the positive aspects of the school playground, this is the place where conflicts between pupils are most frequent3,4,5. Children's victimisation disturbs adjustment to school6 and may have negative effects sooner or later on children's relationships3,7. Thus, it is important to take preventive action, which is considered to be the best solution to the problem8.