Outdoor Play Linked to Improved Social-Emotional Skills in Children

According to a study conducted by the University of Exeter, outdoor play has a positive effect on children's social and emotional development. The research, which analyzed data from 2,500 children aged 7 to 12 in the Born in Bradford program, found that one in three children do not play outdoors after school, and a fifth do not on weekends.

The study, funded by the Medical Research Council and set to be published in the Wellbeing, Space & Society journal, measured the children's social-emotional skills using a "total difficulties score" screening tool. Researchers discovered that outdoor play had a beneficial impact, helping children better understand, manage and express their emotions and behaviors, as well as interact with the world around them and build relationships.

The findings also revealed different patterns of outdoor play based on ethnicity. Children of white British heritage tended to play outside more on school days, while those of South Asian heritage played outside more on weekends. Additionally, the study suggests that children living in less deprived communities benefit more from outdoor play than those in more deprived areas, potentially due to the quality of outdoor spaces and play provision.

"We need to take proactive steps to encourage outdoor activities and ensure children lead healthy and active lives," said lead researcher Dr. Mark Ferguson. "Simple measures such as creating play-friendly residential areas and safer urban environments can make a big difference."