Abstract
Children’s outdoors play (OP) is an important source of physical activity that has been decreasing in recent years due to changes in neighborhood design, parent safety concerns and child sedentary leisure. However, few studies examined such determinants from children’s perspectives. This study explores environmental and socio-cultural aspects of children’s OP using a qualitative and quantitative approach. Data was collected in two phases: (1) a survey on OP and related variables among 5th and 6th graders (10–12 years old) (n = 573); and (2) a mapping activity and semi-structured interview among a subsample of the survey (n = 80). The most common locations for routine OP were parks (40%) followed by public facilities (26%) and streets (17%). OP was significantly associated with perceived environment, independent mobility and gender, but not with neighborhood type. Inner-city participants reported a higher number and greater variety of OP areas (23 vs. 14). Three main barriers of OP were identified—low quality and poorly maintained play areas, other people in public spaces, and social norms that undermine OP. Thus, in order to encourage routine OP, environmental change to create safe and attractive OP settings should be accompanied by community interventions to enhance social norms that are supportive of OP.
Highlights
Outdoors active play (OP) and independent mobility are important aspects of children’s development
The findings presented here concern 573 children who participated in the survey and were found eligible to be included in the analysis (see description of inclusion criteria at [35]: Of the 573 children who participated in the survey, 49% (n = 283) lived in inner-city neighborhoods, and 51% (n = 292) lived in suburban neighborhoods
We found that being a boy, having greater independent mobility and the perception of a child-friendly environment were strongly associated with frequent OP
Summary
Outdoors active play (OP) and independent mobility are important aspects of children’s development. In addition to children being more physically active [1,2,3,4], which directly impacts on their physical health [5], OP exposes children to informal social engagement without adults intervening, provides opportunities to resolve conflicts, opportunities for creativity, [6,7] and increases children’s self-confidence and road safety skills [8]. While numerous reasons at the child0 s and family level may explain these changes [9], in recent years a greater attention has been given to modifiable environmental influences on physical activity and active mobility, which has been summarized by a number of reviews [14,15,16]. Some inconsistencies between study findings were noted, a phenomenon that was attributed to the variability in measurement methodologies as different studies use subjective or objective measures of the environment and
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International journal of environmental research and public health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
