Safety obsessed ‘cottonwool parents’ deying children chance to learn

Overblown safety obsession and “cottonwool parenting” are denying a generation of children the chance to play and learn outdoors.

Studies show children can learn a lot from outdoor play. Picture: Adam Ward

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In Australia, we are blessed by good weather and an amazing natural environment. Most suburbs in Sydney have green space for parks and recreation areas.

Yet as a society, we seem to be spending less time outdoors due to longer working hours, increasing demands on families, technology and “cottonwool parents”.

I understand the rise in parental concerns around keeping students safe, but it is vital to view outdoor play as no less important than what happens inside classrooms.

Many of us would have fond memories of weekends heading out on our bikes after breakfast to return only for lunch or dinner. Fresh air, movement and exposure to vitamin D are important for children’s mental and physical health.

Outdoor play is important for children.

Experts also tell us that outdoor play promotes other important skills such as resilience, problem-solving, co-operation, respect and emotional regulation. There is a focus in the early years on outdoor activities because of its fundamental role in development. We’re told that a lack of sensory stimulation that comes through outdoor play is leading to problems in the classroom in terms of emotional balance and behaviour.

In Finland, which is often regarded as the gold standard in education, outdoor play is seen as stimulating creativity. Young children are encouraged to play outside for at least 90 minutes a day. The argument here is that 15 minutes at recess and 40 minutes at lunchtime are not enough time when children are expected to sit in class for six hours each day.

Experts say outdoor play promotes important skills such as resilience, problem-solving, and co-operation.

There is a growing movement around the world calling on schools to introduce more outdoor lessons and larger blocks of time for outdoor play. Some overseas schools have developed outdoor curriculums that cover a whole school term.

I have often argued that schools must change in order to meet the demands of today’s world, but there is something of the past that needs to be retained. Striking a balance between indoor and outdoor learning is vital for producing healthy, well-rounded children.

Schols need to strike a balance between indoor and outdoor learning.