Promoting risky play: Insights from the Outside Play Lab

Abstract

Promoting risky play: Insights from the Outside Play Lab Mariana Brussoni, founder of the Outside Play Lab at The University of British Columbia, is a pioneer in promoting the benefits of risky play for children. Her research emphasizes the importance of allowing children to engage in outdoor activities that involve a certain level of risk, arguing that this type of play is crucial for their overall development. In this exclusive interview, Mariana Brussoni from the Outside Play Lab shares her insights on risky play and childhood development. Mariana Brussoni shared her journey from being a developmental psychologist to focusing on injury prevention. Her transition was driven by the need to address children’s safety comprehensively. She explained, “In public health and injury prevention, it’s very typical that they use a very siloed approach thinking only about preventing injuries. Whereas as a developmental psychologist, I think about the child as a whole and what they need to thrive.” The Outside Play Lab seeks to strike a balance between safety and the developmental needs of children, promoting a holistic approach to injury prevention.