Explore Play Wales
Results of the first British survey of play in pre-school-aged children show that from the age of two, girls play out in nature less than boys.
The research was co-led by Professor Helen Dodd (University of Exeter Medical School), and Dr Kathryn Hesketh (Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit,University of Cambridge).
More than 1,100 parents of children aged two to four living in England, Scotland and Wales were surveyed. The results highlight inequalities in play between girls and boys, even in the youngest age group – something the researchers say may disadvantage girls’ health.
Professor Dodd said:
‘Playing in nature has important physical and mental health benefits for all children.
‘Problems may arise if children have not had enough opportunity to play adventurously and to learn about managing feelings of uncertainty and anxiety in a playful way. If they’ve had enough opportunity to learn about these feelings and emotions through their play, they might be less likely to respond negatively and feel overwhelmed when faced with challenges like starting school for the first time.’