Monkey bars and medical masks: a photo-voice study of children’s playground safety in British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

Children’s perspectives on their outdoor play safety can provide unique insight into what activities and environments are injurious for them. In this study, we conducted photo-elicitation interviews with 13 children (7 girls, 6 boys) from low- to mid-income communities who were between the ages of 9- to 13-years-old. The goal of the study was to examine their perspectives of outdoor play safety around urban playgrounds over a two-week period while they participated in day camp activities. Our thematic content analysis resulted in three themes: (1) fear of falling; (2) illness prevention; and (3) need for excitement. Our findings suggest children’s perception of safe play may be shaped by exposure to sanitary practices throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, findings demonstrate children can experience tensions in participating in desirable play that is exciting, novel, and challenging, while fearing they could fall from higher structures that afford them with these opportunities.