MORE time spent playing in playgrounds is linked to better mental health and happiness in young children.
A new analysis of the British Children’s Pre-School Play Survey, led by Professor Helen Dodd and commissioned by the Association of Play Industries, highlights the importance of playgrounds in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.
The findings reveal that playgrounds are the most popular play space outside the home for children aged two to four, who spend an average of 139 hours each year playing in them.
Professor Dodd said: "This is the first time we've been able to examine these data specifically to understand the role playgrounds play in young children's lives.
"The findings show that young children who spend more time playing in playgrounds tend to be happier and experience fewer emotional difficulties."
The research shows 83 per cent of children aged 2 to 4 use playgrounds at least once a week during spring and summer, while more than two-thirds do so in autumn and winter.
However, around one in twenty pre-school children spend fewer than 10 hours a year in playgrounds.
Dr Amanda Gummer, chair of the Association of Play Industries, said: "The findings provide fresh evidence that playgrounds are far more than recreational spaces – they are essential public health infrastructure."
