Parenting support and community development effects of public all-weather playgrounds where children can freely gather indoors

Abstract

The internet and technological advances mean children are spending more and more time in front of screens and are increasingly engaged in online rather than in-person interactions. Digital interactions are different to those that take place in the physical world. Public indoor playgrounds have been found to be beneficial for children and communication and interactions in public indoor playgrounds can be effective in supporting the rearing of children. This is the premise of Professor Seiki Tagawa's latest research, in which he and his team in the Department of Community Development, Tokai University, Japan, are exploring how these playgrounds can help support parents and improve community development. Tagawa believes in the potential of public indoor playgrounds that are tailored to the circumstances of different countries to help improve the environment for families struggling with child rearing and marginalised children. There is also potential to link these playgrounds with social work service to help address more difficult challenges. Tagawa's research is based on questionnaire surveys of local governments and thorough observational surveys in the field to verify the most effective kinds of playgrounds, identify operational problems and assess maintenance costs. Beyond fun playground equipment, comprehensive design is important. So far, Tagawa has confirmed links between playgrounds and effective social work.