CiTC conference preview: ‘Let’s end zero-risk play’
When it comes to planning new city infrastructures, childrenâs needs are still being ignored. Worse still, they are being pampered with ‘risk-averse’ thinking. But acclaimed child play expert Tim Gill’s belief that things are changing...Read more
New book will “stimulate new research into children’s play”
Critics have given a positive verdict on Policy Press’s new publication, ‘Practice-based research in children’s play’. Published last month, it utilises new methodologies in researching childrenâs play. The book is edited by Doctors Wendy Russell and...Read more
Oasis Game in Brazil sheds light on childrenâs vulnerable situation
The Oasis Game is an award-winning participatory community development methodology, which engages people to define their dreams, design solutions and construct those solutions themselves. It has now been applied in over 50 countries. The game...Read more
Limiting childrenâs screen time to maximize outdoor play
Governments and education leaders must work better together to steer children away from the potentially damaging effects of excessive online time in favour of the wider benefits of traditional ‘play’ activity. That’s the view of education...Read more
Playgrounds: danger or risk? Do you know the difference?
A top priority for those of us who create industry-leading playground safety surfacing is minimizing the risk of injury. However, that doesnât mean we donât understand the importance of active, adventurous playtime that allows kids...Read more
Children and play based learning
Children learn best when theyâre having fun, and they are more likely to be having fun when they are playing. Childrenâs learning is optimal when theyâre free to learn at their own pace and in their...Read more
Hong Kong needs inclusive playgrounds for disabled children
A pilot study reveals a number of existing playgrounds in Hong Kong lack inclusive facilities that cater to the needs of disabled children. The research also highlights obstacles and opportunities for change. Researchers found no...Read more
Transforming educational practices to increase children’s outdoor play
Insights from three years of study of an outdoor education research project sheds light on how gradual changes in pedagogical practice can create quality outdoor play opportunities for children. A pair of researchers have shared...Read more
The relationship between play value and outdoor play spaces in Wuhan, China
In the city of Wuhan, improper planning policies and design concepts of residential areas have broken and even destroyed childrenâs outdoor play spaces, a recent research paper reveals. This has caused some physical and psychological...Read more
The City of Changsha is Chinaâs first child friendly city
The City of Changsha with support from the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy is the first city in China to include child-friendly initiatives in their city planning. The City of Changsha in Central China is...Read more
Children malfunction without access to nature
Where I grew up on the newly built edge of Campbell River, there was a 100-kilometre swath of forest, rivers and lakes between my doorstep and the Pacific Ocean. Within an hourâs hike I could find beaver dams,...Read more
Children spend half the time playing outside in comparison to their parents
A recent UK study commissioned by the National Trust found that children spend half the time playing outside that their parents did. The National Trust research showed that children are playing outside for an average of...Read more
Housing design is key to the playable, child friendly city
At last week’s Child in the City International seminar, architect and design champion for the Mayor of London Dinah Bornat led a parallel workshop session exploring the built environment challenges of creating homes and neighbourhoods...Read more
Raising awareness the key to investment in play
Like so many parts of the public and voluntary sectors, children’s play services â in the UK and elsewhere â have endured severe funding cuts over the decade since the financial crash. In this interview with...Read more