Bring ‘character building’ chaos back to playground before its too late — expert

Parents have such a skewed attitude to children’s play, risk takers are being labelled the naughty kids and clingy, fearful children are hailed as the good kids.

QUEENSLAND schools need chaos back in the playground for kids to have the chance of a healthy future, one of the nation’s top child psychologists warns.

Parents have such a skewed attitude to children’s play, risk takers are being labelled the naughty kids and clingy, fearful children are hailed as the good kids.

The damaging societal shift has sparked Dr Michael Carr-Gregg to call on the Queensland Government to drop restrictive play rules in primary schools and allow children to run free.

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The expert also wants the government to pour money into planned risk taking activities in primary school and funding to attract children to adventure groups like Scouts and Girl Guides.

Ari Scholithe, 4, and Imogen Fitzroy, 3, at Amaze Early Education Centre Ormeau. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“It is frightening that children are conforming and pulling back on risk taking as they don’t want to be labelled naughty. The kids who test the waters will thrive,” Dr Carr-Gregg said.

Risk taking and chaos in playground ‘character building’

“It has been proven that letting kids engage in active, adventurous play of their own making actually results in less bullying, fighting and better engagement in study time.

A school in New Zealand, Swanson Primary School, has tried and tested the theory and it works beautifully,” he said.

The West Auckland school introduced a no rules playground in 2014 with great success.

“The Queensland Government should take this school as an example of the way forward,” Dr Carr-Gregg said.

Australian research on risk deficit disorder from Macquarie University and the University of Technology Sydney highlights that today risk is associated with something negative.

“The risk deficit is being driven by fear about the safety of children even though they are statistically safer than at any point in human history,” the study says.

The kids at Amaze Early Education Centre Ormeau are encouraged to test their boundaries.

Getting kids playing outdoors is the key to curbing the rising obesity and mental health epidemic Picture: iStock

“It is imperative that our families and educators are on board with our philosophy, to ensure its success.

“Prior to enrolment we discuss and educate families about what a risky play philosophy is which allows them to actively and confidently encourage their child’s participation,” Lucy Cook director said.

Ari Scholithe, 4, enjoys the chance to test his capabilities. He enjoys free play with his friend Imogen Fitzroy aged three.