Why children need to take (more) risks? Science reveals the benefits of wild and free play
Studies reveal how risky play can benefit child development.
It has long been known that risky play is associated with greater resilience, self-confidence, problem-solving and social skills such as cooperation, negotiation and empathy, newly also confirmed by studies from Sandseter and others (Nature 637, 266-268 (2025); doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-04215-2).
Children learn through play as they interact with others and the world around them. KaziPlay, a sub-initiative of the KaziBantu research project, aims to meet such requirements (e.g. enabling exciting, risky play) for an interesting playground for children when planning and designing playgrounds in schools, where the 2025 school year has just started in South Africa. Further information can be viewed via the links.